carrera de aceleración
/kareɾa de aθeleɾaθjon/from spelling rules
A drag race is called carrera de aceleración in Spanish.
The term is used to describe a motor race where vehicles compete to see which can accelerate the fastest over a short distance.
Meaning: type of motor race (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase carrera de aceleración literally translates to 'acceleration race'.
Which one should you use?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in automotive subcultures, the English term drag racing is also commonly used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Piques is an informal term used in some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Latin America, to describe a drag race.
How do you pronounce it?
/kareɾa de aθeleɾaθjon/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a drag race is called a pique, derived from the verb picar, which means 'to peck' or 'to sting'. This implies the sudden, sharp burst of movement at the start of the race.
- The word carrera is used for both a motor race and a university degree. A student pursuing a law degree is said to be in a carrera de derecho.
- The word carrera shares a common ancestor with the English word 'career', both originating from the Latin word carrus for a wheeled vehicle.
Examples in context
- Ganó la carrera de aceleración con su coche nuevo.He won the drag race with his new car.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about an event at the racetrack.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿quieres ir a la carrera de aceleración?Lucía, do you want to go to the drag race?
- LucíaSí, me encantan los autos rápidos.Yes, I love fast cars.
- AlejandroEl evento comienza a las diez.The event starts at ten.
- LucíaPerfecto, Alejandro, nos vemos allá.Perfect, Alejandro, I'll see you there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aceleración, carrera, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
