neumático
/neuˈmatiko/
The English phrase "car tire" is translated into Spanish as neumático.
The term refers to the rubber ring that fits around a wheel of a car.
Which one should you use?
In Spain, the word llanta specifically refers to the metal rim of the wheel, whereas in many other Spanish-speaking regions, it is used colloquially to mean the entire tire.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, rueda de automóvil is used to refer to a car tire formally. In regions such as Argentina and Uruguay, the word cubierta is frequently used to refer to a car tire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of neumático is neumáticos.
How do you pronounce it?
/neuˈmatiko/
Did you know?
- The word neumático shares the same Greek root as 'pneumonia', as both words relate to the 'air' or 'breath' of the lungs.
- Because neumático describes anything filled with air, it can also be used in Spanish to describe certain types of air-powered tools or cylinders, not just car tires.
- If you ask for a llanta in Spain, the mechanic will hand you a metal piece, not a rubber one. In much of the Americas, however, that same word describes exactly what you need for a flat.
Examples in context
- Un clavo pinchó el neumático.A nail penetrated the car tire.This sentence shows how a nail can affect a neumático.Tatoeba #1367241 by marcelostockle, translation #394692 by Scott
- Comenzó a llover cuando estábamos cambiando el neumático del coche.It started to rain when we were changing the car tire.This sentence describes the action of changing a neumático during rain.Tatoeba #8871694 by carlosalberto, translation #8871688 by carlosalberto
- La llanta de automóvil está desinfladaThe car tire is flat
- El neumático delantero está muy gastado.The front tire is very worn.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are standing by their car on the side of the road.
- AlejandroElena, creo que se ha pinchado un neumático.Elena, I think a tire has gone flat.
- Elena¿Es el neumático de la derecha?Is it the right tire?
- AlejandroSí, parece que tiene un clavo.Yes, it looks like it has a nail in it.
- ElenaTranquilo, yo tengo la rueda de repuesto.Don't worry, I have the spare tire.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry neumático, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries neumático, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
