subir a una montaña rusa
/subiɾ a una montaɲa ɾusa/from spelling rules
To ride a roller coaster in Spanish is subir a una montaña rusa.
The phrase is used to describe the act of traveling on a track-based amusement park ride characterized by steep drops and fast turns. In this context, the verb subir serves as the standard way to express the act of getting on or riding the amusement ride.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'to go up on a Russian mountain'.
How do you pronounce it?
/subiɾ a una montaɲa ɾusa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase montaña rusa refers to the ride itself, but it shares its name with the historical ice slides from Russia that inspired the first roller coasters.
- The phrase montaña rusa is used metaphorically in Spanish to describe a situation with extreme highs and lows, such as a volatile stock market or an emotional relationship.
- If you are in a particularly informal setting, some regions might use the verb dar to say you are 'taking' a turn on the ride, such as dar una vuelta en la montaña rusa.
Examples in context
- Me encantaría montar en una montaña rusa durante mi visita a México.I would love to ride a roller coaster during my visit to Mexico.
- ¡Vamos a subirnos a una montaña rusa juntos!Let's ride a roller coaster together!
- No quiero subir a la montaña rusa.I don't want to ride the roller coaster.
- Quiero subir a una montaña rusa.I want to ride a roller coaster.
- ¿Te atreves a subir a una montaña rusa?Do you dare to ride a roller coaster?
- No quiero subir a una montaña rusa hoy.I don't want to ride a roller coaster today.
Example conversation
At an amusement park during the day.
- MaríaJavier, ¿quieres subir a una montaña rusa conmigo?Javier, do you want to ride a roller coaster with me?
- JavierSí, me encanta la adrenalina de esa atracción.Yes, I love the adrenaline of that ride.
- María¡Genial! Vamos a hacer la fila.Great! Let's get in line.
- JavierPerfecto, estoy listo para la diversión.Perfect, I am ready for the fun.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
