tablero de instrumentos
/tableɾo de instɾumentos/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase dashboard can be translated into Spanish as tablero de instrumentos. If unsure, use tablero de instrumentos. Wiktionary also lists salpicadero.
Meaning: panel under the windscreen of a motor car or aircraft (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tablero de instrumentos | /tableɾo de instɾumentos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| salpicadero | /salpikaˈdeɾo/ | masculine |
This term refers to the panel located under the windscreen of a motor car or aircraft.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tablero de instrumentos literally translates to 'board of instruments'.
Which one should you use?
While tablero de instrumentos is a neutral, more descriptive and technical term used in many contexts such as aviation and automotive, other forms may be more common depending on the setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the most common term for a car dashboard is salpicadero.
How do you pronounce it?
/tableɾo de instɾumentos/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the word salpicadero comes from the verb salpicar, which means 'to splash'. It literally describes a surface that receives the 'splashes' of mud or water kicked up by the wheels.
- The term tablero is also used in Spanish to refer to a game board, such as for chess or Monopoly.
- In early carriages, the salpicadero was a wooden board designed to prevent mud and water from splashing the passengers.
Examples in context
- Mientras conducía, noté que la luz en el tablero de instrumentos comenzó a parpadear.While driving, I noticed that the light on the dashboard started blinking.
- Asegúrate de revisar el indicador de temperatura en el panel de control antes de iniciar el vehículo.Make sure to check the temperature gauge on the dashboard before starting the vehicle.
- Me encanta el diseño del panel de instrumentos de este coche nuevo.I love the design of the dashboard of this new car.
- El tablero de instrumentos tiene muchas luces.The dashboard has many lights.
- Limpié todo el tablero de instrumentos hoy.I cleaned the whole dashboard today.
- Hay un mapa sobre el tablero de instrumentos.There is a map on the dashboard.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at their car after a long trip.
- MaríaJavier, ¿viste la luz en el tablero de instrumentos?Javier, did you see the light on the dashboard?
- JavierNo, no me fijé en el tablero de instrumentos.No, I didn't look at the dashboard.
- MaríaParece que algo va mal con el coche.It seems like something is wrong with the car.
- JavierTienes razón, vamos al mecánico ahora.You're right, let's go to the mechanic now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dashboard” translations and entries tablero de instrumentos, salpicadero, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, salpicadero, tablero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
