Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amortiguador | /amoɾtiɡwaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| búfer | /ˈbufeɾ/ | masculine |
| parachoques | /paɾaˈt͡ʃokes/ | masculine |
| mediador | /medjaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| buffer | /ˈbafeɾ/ /ˈbofeɾ/ |
masculine |
In engineering and physics, amortiguador is used for a device that minimizes impact. In computing, the anglicized term búfer is common for a data buffer. If you are referring to a buffer zone in geographic or environmental contexts, you might use área intermedia or zona de seguridad.
Which one should you use?
The term parachoques specifically refers to a vehicle's bumper, whereas amortiguador refers to the shock-absorbing mechanism. In technical computing contexts, búfer is the preferred term, while amortiguador is used for physical cushioning in science or engineering.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb amortiguar is used to describe the action of cushioning or minimizing an impact. Additionally, the verb tamponar can be used specifically to mean maintaining a given acidity level.
How do you pronounce it?
/amoɾtiɡwaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for a car's shock absorber, amortiguador, shares the same root as the English word 'mortify', both coming from the Latin 'mors' meaning 'death'.
- Spanish uses the word colchón meaning 'mattress' as a colloquial metaphor for a financial buffer or emergency fund.
- In a laboratory setting, if you are talking about a chemical buffer, you might use the verb tamponar, which comes from the word for a 'tampon' or plug.
Examples in context
- En el diseño de la infraestructura, es importante considerar la creación de una zona de seguridad para evitar riesgos innecesarios.In infrastructure design, it is important to consider creating a buffer zone to avoid unnecessary risks.
- Debes tener un amortiguador entre las partes metálicas para evitar el desgaste.You should have a buffer between the metal parts to prevent wear and tear.
- Necesitamos un amortiguador para reducir el impacto.We need a buffer to reduce the impact.
- Esta capa actúa como un amortiguador químico.This layer acts as a chemical buffer.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are inspecting a car in a garage.
- LucíaJavier, ¿has visto el problema del coche?Javier, have you seen the problem with the car?
- JavierSí, creo que es el amortiguador.Yes, I think it is the shock absorber.
- Lucía¿Es muy caro cambiar ese amortiguador?Is it very expensive to change that shock absorber?
- JavierNo debería ser demasiado costoso.It shouldn't be too costly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buffer” translations and entries amortiguador, búfer, parachoques, mediador, buffer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amortiguador, búfer, mediador, parachoques, CC BY-SA 4.0.
