interruptor de inercia
/interubtoɾ de ineɾθja/from spelling rules
The English phrase "inertia switch" is interruptor de inercia in Spanish.
An interruptor de inercia refers to a safety device in a vehicle that cuts off the fuel supply following a sudden impact or collision. You can use interruptor de inercia de combustible to specifically indicate that the switch is for the fuel supply.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of interruptor (switch), de (of) and inercia (inertia).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to hear Interruptor de Inercia de Combustible when referring to the fuel inertia switch. In Argentina and Chile, the term Corte de Combustible por Impacto is used to refer to the inertia switch.
How do you pronounce it?
/interubtoɾ de ineɾθja/
Did you know?
- While the formal term is interruptor de inercia, mechanics in some Spanish-speaking regions colloquially refer to the action of resetting the switch as armar el interruptor, as if they are cocking a weapon.
- The Spanish interruptor and English 'interrupt' both derive from the Latin interrumpō, meaning to break or divide.
- The word inercia is used in Spanish to describe a psychological state of acting without thinking, mirroring the English concept of acting 'by inertia'.
Examples in context
- El interruptor de inercia es un dispositivo de seguridad que se utiliza para cortar la alimentación de combustible en caso de una colisión fuerte.The inertia switch is a safety device used to cut off the fuel supply in the event of a severe collision.
- El interruptor de inercia cortó el suministro de gasolina tras el choque.The inertia switch cut off the gasoline supply after the crash.
- El interruptor de inercia se activó tras el golpe.The inertia switch activated after the impact.
- Debes revisar el interruptor de inercia del coche.You must check the car's inertia switch.
- El mecánico cambió el interruptor de inercia ayer.The mechanic changed the inertia switch yesterday.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking at a car that won't start after a minor accident.
- AlejandroEl motor no arranca después del choque.The engine won't start after the collision.
- ElenaPuede ser el interruptor de inercia, Alejandro.It might be the inertia switch, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Cómo puedo restablecer el interruptor de inercia?How can I reset the inertia switch?
- ElenaBusca un botón rojo debajo del tablero.Look for a red button under the dashboard.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, inercia, interruptor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
