revisar el motor
/rebisaɾ el motoɾ/from spelling rules
To say 'check engine' in Spanish, the default form is revisar el motor.
This phrase is used as an instruction to inspect a vehicle's engine to find and fix a problem.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb revisar (to check/inspect) and the noun phrase el motor (the engine).
Which one should you use?
While revisar el motor is a standard way to express this, you might use Verificar el Motor if you want to say 'verify the engine' or Echarle un Vistazo al Motor if you mean 'take a look at the engine'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, particularly Mexico, the verb checar is frequently used instead of revisar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form revisar el motor is in the infinitive, which is commonly used in Spanish for instructions or as a shorthand for 'you should check the engine'.
How do you pronounce it?
/rebisaɾ el motoɾ/
Did you know?
- In an informal garage setting, a mechanic might simply say échale un ojo al motor which literally translates to 'throw an eye at the engine'.
- In Mexico, you will often hear checar el motor instead of revisar el motor. The verb checar is a direct loanword from the English 'to check' and is widely accepted in casual conversation.
- While revisar is the standard term for 'check', it literally means 'to see again'. This reflects its origins as a process of reviewing or re-examining something to ensure it is correct.
Examples in context
- Señor, me gustaría que revise el motor de mi coche, por favor.Sir, I would like you to check the engine of my car, please.
- Necesito que verifique el motor, por favor.I need you to verify the engine, please.
- Podrías echarle un vistazo al motor de mi coche, por favor?Could you take a look at the engine of my car, please?
- Debes revisar el motor si la luz se enciende.You must check the engine if the light turns on.
- Necesito revisar el motor del coche.I need to check the car's engine.
- El mecánico va a revisar el motor mañana.The mechanic is going to check the engine tomorrow.
- Debes revisar el motor si escuchas un ruido.You should check the engine if you hear a noise.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a car in a garage.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿podrías revisar el motor, por favor?Alejandro, could you check the engine, please?
- AlejandroSí, voy a revisarlo ahora mismo.Yes, I am going to check it right now.
- SofíaGracias, creo que algo suena mal.Thank you, I think something sounds wrong.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, Sofía, lo encontraré.Don't worry, Sofía, I will find it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
