gasolinera
neutral, Spain, Mexico
The word for a gas station changes by country. Common ones are gasolinera in Spain and Mexico, bomba in Venezuela, grifo in Peru and estación de servicio in Argentina.
Meaning: a place to buy fuel for a car (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| gasolinera | neutral, Spain, Mexico |
| Bomba | informal, Venezuela |
| Grifo | informal, Peru |
| Estación de servicio | neutral, Argentina |
Which one should you use?
Gasolinera is understood almost everywhere, so it is the safe choice when you do not know the local word.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Venezuela people say voy a echar gasolina en la bomba. In Peru the pump itself is called a grifo, and the same word names the station. In Argentina fuel is nafta, so the place is also called a estación de nafta by some speakers.
What mistakes should you avoid?
In Spanish grifo in Spain means a tap or faucet, so the Peruvian meaning can confuse people there.
Did you know?
- In Peru grifo comes from the old pumps that looked like a tap, which is also what grifo means in Spain.
Examples in context
- Hay una gasolinera cerca de aquí.There is a gas station near here.
- Pasa por la bomba antes de salir.Stop at the gas station before leaving.
- El grifo de la esquina abre toda la noche.The gas station on the corner is open all night.
Example conversation
Carlos asks a local for directions in Lima.
- CarlosDisculpe, ¿dónde hay un grifo?Excuse me, where is there a gas station?
- SeñoraSiga derecho dos cuadras y está a la derecha.Go straight two blocks and it is on the right.
- CarlosMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
