How to Say "Bonnet" in Spanish

capó

/kaˈpo/

The English word 'bonnet' is translated into Spanish as capó.

The term refers to the cover over the engine of a motor car, similar to the English word 'hood'.

Meaning: cover over the engine of a motor car (noun)

Which one should you use?

While capó is a common term, in some Latin American countries like Mexico, the word cofre is used instead to refer to the car bonnet.

capó is the standard term used in Spain and parts of Latin America. In contrast, cofre is used in certain regions such as Mexico.

The plural form of capó is capós.

/kaˈpo/

While cofre means 'bonnet' in a car context in Mexico, in Spain it almost exclusively refers to a jewelry box or a treasure chest.
The word capó is a linguistic sibling of capote, which refers to a traditional heavy cloak or a bullfighter's cape.
In Mexico, using the word capó instead of cofre can sound distinctly European or like a translation from a textbook.

Este coche lleva el maletero bajo el capó. Tiene el motor detrás.
This car has the boot under the bonnet. The engine is in the back.
This sentence shows the location of the boot relative to the capó.
Tatoeba #1798819 by wallebot, translation #2444125 by Olisoul
Estoy un poco preocupado porque hay un constante ruido de golpeteo que viene de bajo el capó de mi coche.
I'm a bit worried because there is a constant banging noise coming from under the bonnet of my car.
This sentence is useful for describing a noise coming from under the capó.
Tatoeba #5175936 by albrusgher, translation #2840512 by patgfisher
El médico llevaba una cofia blanca y una bata mientras examinaba al paciente.
The doctor wore a white bonnet and a gown while examining the patient.
El mecánico levantó el capó para revisar el motor.
The mechanic lifted the bonnet to check the engine.

Javier and Sofía are looking at a car in the driveway.

Javier

Sofía, creo que el capó está mal cerrado.
Sofía, I think the bonnet is not closed properly.
Sofía

Déjame revisarlo, Javier.
Let me check it, Javier.
Javier

Ten cuidado, el capó todavía está caliente.
Be careful, the bonnet is still hot.
Sofía

Tienes razón, esperemos unos minutos.
You are right, let's wait a few minutes.

Sources

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