calibre
/kaˈlibɾe/
The English word caliper is translated into Spanish as calibre.
In a mechanical context, specifically referring to a part of a disc brake, the term used is calibre. You may also encounter the masculine noun calibrador to refer to a caliper or measuring tool.
Meaning: part of a disc brake (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term pie de rey is commonly used to refer to a caliper.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈlibɾe/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word calibre shares its origins with the Arabic word qālib, which means 'mold' or 'form'.
- While you might use calibre for a brake part, in many Spanish-speaking countries, the word refers more commonly to the diameter of a bullet or the size of a gun barrel.
- If you ask for a calibre in a hardware store without context, a clerk might think you are asking for the thickness of a wire or the diameter of a pipe rather than a tool.
Examples in context
- Sería bueno para ti que utilices el calibre en lugar de tu regla: ¡es mucho más preciso!It would be nice if you could use the caliper instead of your ruler: it's much more accurate!This sentence demonstrates the use of calibre when comparing its precision to a ruler.Tatoeba #5144933 by albrusgher, translation #1470608 by GeeZ
- Por favor, tráigame el calibrador para estas medidas.Please bring me the caliper for these measurements.
- El pie de rey de precisión es una herramienta esencial para los ingenieros.The precision caliper is an essential tool for engineers.
- Necesito un pie de rey para verificar estas dimensiones.I need a caliper to check these dimensions.
- El calibrador vernier es utilizado para medir con precisión.The vernier caliper is used for precise measurements.
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar un buen pie de rey en esta ciudad?Where can I buy a good caliper in this city?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are checking a car's brakes in a garage.
- ElenaDaniel, creo que el calibre tiene una fuga de líquido.Daniel, I think the caliper has a fluid leak.
- DanielDéjame ver si podemos reparar ese calibre hoy.Let me see if we can repair that caliper today.
- ElenaEs mejor cambiarlo por uno nuevo, Elena.It is better to replace it with a new one, Elena.
- DanielTienes razón, así será mucho más seguro.You are right, that way it will be much safer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry calibre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calibre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
