How to Say "Beam" in Spanish - How To Say Guide

viga

/ˈbiɡa/

In Spanish, 'beam' is translated as viga.

Viga is specifically used for a structural support beam in architecture or engineering.

Meaning: ray (noun)

Which one should you use?

While viga refers to a structural beam in construction, rayo is used for a beam or ray of light or energy.

The plural form of viga is vigas.

/ˈbiɡa/

English speakers may find it odd that viga is strictly for construction, while a 'beam' of light is rayo, which also means 'lightning bolt'.
Spanish differentiates between a viga and a vigueta, where the latter refers to a smaller, secondary beam used to support a floor or ceiling.
The word viga likely shares a root with the Latin word for 'tree-trunk', reflecting a time when structural beams were simply felled trees.

¿Está la viga sólida o hueca?
Is the beam solid or hollow?
This sentence is useful for asking about the composition of a viga.
Tatoeba #5007010 by albrusgher, translation #3030970 by sharptoothed
La honestidad en la sociedad es como una viga de acero en una torre de naipes.
Honesty in society is like a steel beam in a house of cards.
This sentence uses viga as a metaphor to compare honesty to a structural element.
Tatoeba #1686830 by marcelostockle, translation #10612112 by sangelo
En la construcción de puentes, la viga principal soporta el peso de la estructura.
In bridge construction, the main beam supports the weight of the structure.
La trabe de concreto armado asegura la estabilidad del edificio.
The reinforced concrete beam ensures the stability of the building.
El rayo de luz atravesó la oscuridad de la noche.
The beam of light pierced through the darkness of the night.

María and Alejandro are renovating an old house.

María

Mira esa viga, parece muy antigua.
Look at that beam, it looks very old.
Alejandro

Sí, pero creo que sigue siendo fuerte.
Yes, but I think it is still strong.
María

Deberíamos pintar la viga de color blanco.
We should paint the beam white.
Alejandro

Me parece una buena idea, María.
That sounds like a good idea, María.

Sources

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