cuadro de instrumentos
/kwadɾo de instɾumentos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "instrument cluster" is translated into Spanish as cuadro de instrumentos.
This phrase refers to the panel of gauges and displays located behind the steering wheel of a vehicle.
What does it mean word for word?
In this context, the word cuadro literally means frame, panel or board.
Which one should you use?
While cuadro de instrumentos is the default, Tablero de Instrumentos is a formal alternative and Panel de Instrumentos is used specifically to mean "instrument panel".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, tablero de instrumentos is commonly used, whereas in Spain, the term cuadro de mandos is used for the instrument cluster.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple instrument clusters, use the plural form cuadros de instrumentos, where both the noun cuadro and the noun instrumentos are pluralized.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwadɾo de instɾumentos/
Did you know?
- While cuadro de instrumentos describes the gauges, the entire dashboard area is often called the salpicadero. This term comes from the word salpicar, which means 'to splash'.
- In Spanish, the word cuadro is also the standard word for a painting or a piece of art. This means a car's dashboard and a masterpiece in a gallery share the same name.
- The word cuadro in this phrase is a distant relative of the English word 'square', as both trace back to the Latin 'quadrum' meaning 'a four-sided object'.
Examples in context
- El tablero de instrumentos del coche muestra información relevante al conductor.The instrument cluster of the car displays relevant information to the driver.
- Por favor, revise el panel de instrumentos para obtener datos precisos.Please check the instrument panel for accurate data.
- No puedo leer los indicadores en el tablero. ¿Podrías revisarlo?I can't read the indicators on the dashboard. Could you check it?
- Me encanta el diseño del nuevo tablero de instrumentos de mi coche.I love the design of my car's new instrument cluster.
- Por favor, revisa el panel de instrumentos del vehículo antes de partir.Please check the vehicle's instrument panel before leaving.
- El cuadro de instrumentos parpadea en rojo.The instrument cluster is flashing red.
- Hay una luz de advertencia en el cuadro de instrumentos.There is a warning light in the instrument cluster.
- El mecánico revisará el cuadro de instrumentos.The mechanic will check the instrument cluster.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are looking at a car with a technical problem.
- DanielLucía, mira el cuadro de instrumentos.Lucía, look at the instrument cluster.
- LucíaTienes razón, la luz de la batería está encendida.You are right, the battery light is on.
- DanielCreo que el problema está en el cuadro de instrumentos.I think the problem is in the instrument cluster.
- LucíaEs mejor llevarlo al taller ahora mismo.It is better to take it to the shop right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuadro, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
