tuberías
/tubeɾias/from spelling rules
The English word "pipes" translates to Spanish as tuberías.
tuberías is used to refer to pipes, specifically in the sense of a plumbing system or a network of pipes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word implies a piping system or a set of pipes, derived from the concept of being tubular.
Which one should you use?
While tubos refers to the physical objects themselves (tubes), tuberías is more commonly used to describe the entire network or system of pipes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
tuberías is the preferred term for pipes in some Latin American countries, such as Mexico. In certain South American countries, including Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, the term cañerías is commonly used instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of this word is tubería.
How do you pronounce it?
/tubeɾias/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word cañería shares a root with caña, meaning 'cane' or 'reed'. This reflects an ancient time when water was transported through hollowed plant stalks.
- Spanish has a specific word, fontanería, for the trade of plumbing, which comes from the Latin word fons meaning 'spring' or 'fountain'.
- An English speaker might use 'pipes' to refer to musical instruments, but in Spanish, you would use flautas or instrumentos de viento instead of tuberías.
Examples in context
- Nuestras tuberías se reventaron.Our water pipes burst.This sentence shows how to use tuberías when describing water pipes that have burst.Tatoeba #1386213 by marcelostockle, translation #680453 by Source_VOA
- Necesito reparar la tubería del baño.I need to fix the bathroom pipes.
- Hay un problema con la cañería de gas.There is a problem with the gas pipes.
- Los tubos de PVC son resistentes y duraderos.PVC pipes are resistant and durable.
- Voy a comprar unas pipas nuevas para fumar tabaco.I'm going to buy new pipes to smoke tobacco.
- Las tuberías del baño son viejas.The bathroom pipes are old.
- Hay que cambiar las tuberías del jardín.We need to change the garden pipes.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a problem in their house.
- María¿Por qué hay agua en el suelo?Why is there water on the floor?
- JavierCreo que las tuberías tienen una fuga.I think the pipes have a leak.
- MaríaEs un problema muy grave.It is a very serious problem.
- JavierLlamaré al fontanero ahora mismo.I will call the plumber right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
