relé
/reˈle/
The English phrase "relay switch" is translated into Spanish as relé.
The term refers to an electrical switch that utilizes an electromagnet to open or close a circuit.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /reˈle/.
Did you know?
- The Spanish relé evolved from the French relais, which described the system of changing exhausted horses for fresh ones at stations during long journeys.
- While relé describes the electrical component, the Spanish word for a 'relay race' is carrera de relevos. Both words share the same root concept of handing something off to a successor.
- In industrial settings in parts of Latin America, you might hear an electrician call it a contactor. Although a contactor is technically a specific type of heavy-duty relay, the terms are often used interchangeably in common speech.
Examples in context
- El relé controla el motor.The relay switch controls the motor.
- Necesito cambiar el relé de la luz.I need to change the light relay switch.
- Ese relé está haciendo un ruido extraño.That relay switch is making a strange noise.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are working in a car repair shop.
- AlejandroElena, revisa el relé del ventilador.Elena, check the fan relay switch.
- ElenaCreo que el relé está quemado.I think the relay switch is burnt out.
- AlejandroEntonces trae un relé nuevo.Then bring a new relay switch.
- ElenaLo buscaré en el almacén ahora.I will look for it in the warehouse now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry relé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries relé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
