cámara de bicicleta
/kamaɾa de biθikleta/from spelling rules
The English phrase "bike inner tube" is cámara de bicicleta in Spanish.
The term refers to the inflatable rubber tube that fits inside a bicycle tire to hold air. You may also see the alternative cámara de aire, which is used to specifically identify it as an air chamber.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cámara literally means chamber, which refers to the hollow space inside the tire.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, Llanta de bicicleta is used to refer to both the inner tube and the tire itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/kamaɾa de biθikleta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say tubo de bicicleta. In Spanish, tubo usually refers to a rigid pipe rather than an inflatable rubber tube.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cámara is a polysemous term that refers to a bike tube, a photographic camera and a legislative chamber.
- The word bicicleta entered Spanish as a loanword from the French bicyclette.
- While English speakers think of a 'tube' as a cylinder, the Spanish cámara refers to the hollow, vaulted space the air occupies.
Examples in context
- Necesito reemplazar la cámara de bicicletaI need to replace the bike inner tube.
- Necesito una cámara de bicicleta nueva.I need a new bike inner tube.
- La cámara de bicicleta tiene un pinchazo.The bike inner tube has a puncture.
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar una cámara de bicicleta?Where can I buy a bike inner tube?
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping Sofía fix her bicycle in the garage.
- SofíaCreo que se rompió la cámara de bicicleta.I think the bike inner tube broke.
- AlejandroDéjame ver, Sofía.Let me see, Sofía.
- AlejandroSí, la cámara de bicicleta está muy dañada.Yes, the bike inner tube is badly damaged.
- SofíaGracias por ayudarme, Alejandro.Thanks for helping me, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bicicleta, cámara, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
