Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| camión de volteo | /kamjon de bolteo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| volquete | /bolˈkete/ | masculine |
| tolva | /ˈtolba/ | Chile, feminine |
| volqueta | /bolketa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, alternative form |
A dump truck is a heavy vehicle used for transporting loose, bulk cargo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase camión de volteo literally means "truck of tipping" or "flipping truck", which refers to the mechanism used to empty the cargo.
Which one should you use?
Volquete is a common term for a dump truck in many Spanish-speaking regions. In contrast, camión de volteo is more descriptive and is frequently used in Mexico. Volqueta is the feminine form of volquete and serves as an alternative spelling or regional variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, both camión de volteo and volquete are widely used. In Colombia, the term volqueta is common. In Chile, the word tolva is used to refer to a dump truck. In Spain, it is common to use the term dumper.
How does it change in a sentence?
Volqueta is the feminine form of volquete.
Did you know?
- The term tolva used in Chile for a dump truck actually refers specifically to the hopper or the shaped container that holds the material.
- The word camión is actually a linguistic traveler that entered Spanish via French, rather than coming directly from Latin.
- If you use the word volquete in Colombia, you are using the masculine version, but the feminine volqueta is the much more common way to name the vehicle there.
Examples in context
- Tenemos que pedir un volquete nuevo, este ya está lleno.We need to ask for a new dump truck. This one's full.This sentence is useful for requesting a new volquete because the current one is full.Tatoeba #1663598 by hayastan, translation #2436514 by MethodGT
- Cuando se llene el volquete, llamá para que vengan a cambiarlo.When the dump truck fills up, call to have them come and switch it.This sentence is useful for instructions on when to call for a replacement once the volquete is full.Tatoeba #1549962 by hayastan, translation #2436517 by MethodGT
- Necesitamos alquilar un camión volquete para llevar los escombros al vertedero.We need to rent a dump truck to transport the debris to the landfill.
- El camión de volteo descargó rápida y eficientemente la carga de escombros.The dump truck unloaded the debris quickly and efficiently.
- El camión de volteo está cargado de arena.The dump truck is loaded with sand.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing the construction work at their house.
- LucíaNecesitamos un camión de volteo para la tierra.We need a dump truck for the soil.
- JavierYo puedo contratar uno mañana mismo, Lucía.I can hire one tomorrow, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, Javier. ¿Saben dónde descargarla?Thanks, Javier. Do they know where to unload it?
- JavierSí, el conductor ya conoce la dirección.Yes, the driver already knows the address.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dump truck” translations and entries camión de volteo, volquete, tolva, volqueta, 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 camión, de, tolva, volteo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
