Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| catalisador | /ka.ta.li.zaˈdoʁ/ (Brazil) /ka.ta.li.zaˈdoɾ/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
| conversor catalítico | masculine |
A catalytic converter is a chamber in which carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from vehicle exhaust are oxidized into carbon dioxide. In the context of automotive mechanics, catalisador is the standard term used by technicians and car owners. Additionally, the phrase equipamento de controle de emissões translates to "emissions control equipment" and can refer to a catalytic converter.
Which one should you use?
While conversor catalítico is the technical term, catalisador is the much more common way to refer to a catalytic converter in everyday conversation and at auto repair shops.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of catalisador is catalisadores.
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.ta.li.zaˈdoʁ/. The word has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 5th syllable.
Did you know?
- Because catalytic converters are expensive, the word catalisador is frequently associated with vehicle theft in Brazilian news reports and police bulletins.
- If you are looking for parts in a Portuguese shop, asking for a conversor alone might lead to confusion, as it can also mean a 'converter' for electrical voltage.
- Portuguese speakers often refer to the failure of a catalisador as being entupido, which literally means 'clogged' or 'stopped up'.
Examples in context
- Os carros modernos estão equipados com catalisadores eficientes.Modern cars are equipped with efficient catalytic converters.
- Preciso substituir o conversor catalítico do meu carro.I need to replace the catalytic converter in my car.
- O mecânico disse que o catalisador está com defeito.The mechanic said that the catalytic converter is defective.
- Preciso trocar o catalisador do meu carro.I need to change my car's catalytic converter.
- O preço do novo catalisador é muito alto.The price of the new catalytic converter is very high.
Example conversation
A woman and a man are discussing car repairs at a mechanic shop.
- MarianaLucas, você sabe quanto custa o catalisador?Lucas, do you know how much the catalytic converter costs?
- LucasAcho que o catalisador é uma peça cara.I think the catalytic converter is an expensive part.
- MarianaO mecânico vai verificar o problema para mim.The mechanic is going to check the problem for me.
- LucasEspero que não seja algo muito complicado.I hope it is not something very complicated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catalytic converter” translations and entries catalisador, conversor catalítico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
