naftalina
/naftalina/from spelling rules
The English phrase mothballs is translated into Spanish as naftalina.
naftalina refers to mothballs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, the term bolitas de alcanfor is used instead of bolas de naftalina.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word naftalina can be used in its plural form naftalinas to refer to multiple mothball pellets.
How do you pronounce it?
/naftalina/
Did you know?
- The phrase sacar de la naftalina is sometimes used to describe bringing an old idea or a vintage fashion trend back into use.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, the scent of naftalina is culturally associated with 'the smell of grandma's house' rather than just pest control.
- In some contexts, naftalina is used metaphorically to describe something that has been forgotten or 'put away' for a very long time.
Examples in context
- Por favor, asegúrate de colocar las bolas de naftalina en el armario para proteger la ropa.Please make sure to place the mothballs in the closet to protect the clothes.
- No olvides comprar más esferas antipolillas antes de guardar los abrigos de lana por el verano.Don't forget to buy more anti-moth spheres before storing the woolen coats for the summer.
- Puse naftalina en el armario para proteger la ropa.I put mothballs in the closet to protect the clothes.
- La ropa huele a naftalina.The clothes smell like mothballs.
- Puse naftalina en el armario.I put mothballs in the closet.
- No me gusta el olor de la naftalina.I do not like the smell of mothballs.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are organizing old winter clothes.
- DanielMaría, ¿dónde guardaste la naftalina?María, where did you put the mothballs?
- MaríaEstá en el cajón de la cocina, Daniel.It is in the kitchen drawer, Daniel.
- DanielGracias, quiero proteger estos abrigos.Thanks, I want to protect these coats.
- MaríaTen cuidado con el olor fuerte.Be careful with the strong smell.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
