convertidor catalítico
/kombeɾtidoɾ katalitiko/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase catalytic converter is translated into Spanish as convertidor catalítico. Wiktionary also lists conversor catalítico.
Meaning: chamber in which carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from vehicle exhaust are oxidized into carbon dioxide (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| convertidor catalítico | /kombeɾtidoɾ katalitiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| conversor catalítico | /kombeɾsoɾ katalitiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A catalytic converter is a noun referring to the chamber in which carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from vehicle exhaust are oxidized into carbon dioxide.
Which one should you use?
conversor catalítico is a valid alternative, though it is used less frequently than convertidor.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized: convertidores catalíticos.
Did you know?
- While convertidor and conversor are technically correct, many mechanics in Latin America might simply call the part el catalizador.
- In Spanish, the word conversor can also refer to a currency converter, creating a potential point of confusion if the context of vehicles is missing.
- If you are looking for a replacement in a Spanish auto shop, you might also hear the phrase el escape, even though that word actually means 'the exhaust' or 'the tailpipe'.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es el precio de un convertidor catalítico de alta calidad?What is the price of a high-quality catalytic converter?
- El convertidor catalítico está dañado.The catalytic converter is damaged.
- Necesito cambiar el convertidor catalítico de mi coche.I need to change the catalytic converter of my car.
- El mecánico revisó el convertidor catalítico.The mechanic checked the catalytic converter.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about car repairs at a garage.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿por qué hace tanto ruido el coche?Daniel, why is the car making so much noise?
- DanielCreo que el convertidor catalítico está obstruido.I think the catalytic converter is clogged.
- Lucía¿Es muy caro cambiar el convertidor catalítico?Is it very expensive to change the catalytic converter?
- DanielSí, es una pieza bastante costosa.Yes, it is a quite expensive part.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catalytic converter” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
