luz de verificación del motor
/luθ de beɾifikaθjon del motoɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "malfunction indicator light" is translated into Spanish as luz de verificación del motor.
This phrase refers to the warning light on a vehicle's dashboard that indicates an engine problem. In technical manuals and automotive contexts, the word testigo is often used instead of luz to refer specifically to a dashboard warning light, such as in testigo de falla del motor. In casual conversation, drivers frequently simplify the phrase to luz de falla del motor or simply la luz del motor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase luz de verificación del motor is composed of luz (light), de verificación (of verification/check) and del motor (of the engine).
Which one should you use?
While luz de verificación del motor is the standard form, you may encounter other variations. Testigo de falla del motor is used in technical contexts to mean engine failure indicator light. For a more general sense of an engine fault light, you can use luz de falla del motor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term Testigo de Fallo is commonly used. Additionally, the slang term Chivato de Avería is specific to Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/luθ de beɾifikaθjon del motoɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, you might hear a driver call this light a chivato de avería. The word chivato literally means 'snitch' or 'informer', as if the light is tattling on the car's engine.
- While luz is the common word for 'light', technical manuals often use the word testigo. This word literally translates to 'witness', implying the light is a witness to the engine's mechanical problems.
- The Spanish word luz descends from the Latin lūx, which shares a root with the English word 'lucent'.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿sabes cómo se llama la luz que se enciende en el tablero cuando algo funciona mal en un automóvil?Hi, do you know what the light is called that illuminates on the dashboard when something is wrong with a car?
- Se encendió la luz de verificación del motor.The malfunction indicator light turned on.
- Debes revisar la luz de verificación del motor en el taller.You should check the malfunction indicator light at the shop.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are looking at the dashboard of a car.
- SofíaDaniel, mira la luz de verificación del motor.Daniel, look at the malfunction indicator light.
- DanielEs verdad, parece que hay un problema.It's true, it looks like there is a problem.
- Sofía¿Deberíamos ir al mecánico ahora?Should we go to the mechanic now?
- DanielSí, es mejor no ignorarla.Yes, it is better not to ignore it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, del, luz, motor, verificación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
