marcha corta
/maɾt͡ʃa koɾta/from spelling rules
The English phrase "low gear" is translated into Spanish as marcha corta.
This phrase refers to a setting on a vehicle's transmission that provides more power and less speed.
Which one should you use?
While marcha corta is the default, you can also use marcha baja as a common alternative to describe a low gear setting. In many contexts, if you are specifically referring to the lowest possible gear in a sequence, it is expressed as primera marcha.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾtʃa koɾta/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word marcha is also used to describe a lively party or a night out on the town. A city with a lot of 'marcha' is one with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of energy.
- The word marcha in marcha corta comes from the verb marchar, which means 'to walk' or 'to march'.
- In many Latin American countries, instead of using marcha, drivers often use the word cambio to refer to a gear, such as in the phrase cambio bajo.
Examples in context
- Pon el coche en marcha reducida para mayor estabilidad en terrenos resbaladizos.Put the car in low gear for added stability on slippery terrain.
- No debes intentar conducir a alta velocidad en una marcha corta, ya que podría dañar el sistema de transmisión.You should not attempt to drive at high speeds in a low gear as it could damage the transmission system.
- Usa la marcha corta para controlar la bajada.Use low gear to control the descent.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are driving up a steep mountain road.
- Alejandro¿Debería poner la marcha corta ahora?Should I put it in low gear now?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, la pendiente es muy fuerte.Yes, Alejandro, the slope is very steep.
- AlejandroLa marcha corta ayudará al motor.Low gear will help the engine.
- ElenaExacto, así subiremos con más fuerza.Exactly, that way we will climb with more power.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries marcha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
