gafas de seguridad
/ɡafas de seɡuɾidad/from spelling rules
The English phrase "safety glasses" is translated into Spanish as gafas de seguridad.
This term refers to glasses used specifically for protecting the eyes.
Meaning: glasses for protecting the eyes (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase gafas de seguridad literally means "glasses of security" (or safety), composed of gafas (glasses) and de seguridad (of security/safety).
Which one should you use?
While gafas de seguridad is a standard term, you may also use gafas protectoras to specifically mean "protective glasses". In Latin American countries, lentes de seguridad is more commonly used than the gafas variant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the word antiparras is specifically used to refer to safety goggles, glasses or protective eyewear.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡafas de seɡuɾidad/
Did you know?
- Some believe gafas is named after the 12th century Andalusian scholar Muhammad ibn Aslam Al-Ghafiqi, who was a renowned ophthalmologist.
- The term gafas may be related to the German word gaffen meaning 'to stare'. This suggests the word was originally associated with the act of looking intently.
Examples in context
- Por favor, asegúrate de ponerte las gafas de seguridad antes de comenzar cualquier tarea.Please make sure to put on your safety glasses before starting any task.
- Recuerda utilizar siempre tus lentes de seguridad al operar maquinaria pesada.Remember to always wear your safety glasses when operating heavy machinery.
- Haz el favor de pasar por la oficina de seguridad y recoger tus gafas protectoras.Please go to the safety office and pick up your protective glasses.
- Necesitas usar las gafas de seguridad en el taller.You need to wear the safety glasses in the workshop.
- ¿Dónde están mis gafas de seguridad?Where are my safety glasses?
- Estas gafas de seguridad son muy resistentes.These safety glasses are very resistant.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in a construction site office.
- JavierElena, ¿tienes unas gafas de seguridad para mí?Elena, do you have some safety glasses for me?
- ElenaSí, las tengo en este cajón.Yes, I have them in this drawer.
- JavierGracias, las usaré para limpiar el área.Thanks, I will use them to clean the area.
- ElenaDe nada, ten mucho cuidado.You're welcome, be very careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, gafas, seguridad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
