curvas cerradas
/kuɾbas θeradas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sharp turns" is translated into Spanish as curvas cerradas.
The phrase curvas cerradas is commonly used when giving driving instructions, reading road signs or describing a winding road.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of curvas (curves) and cerradas (closed/tight), literally meaning "closed curves".
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single sharp turn, use the singular form curva cerrada.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuɾbas θeradas/
Did you know?
- The word curva is also used as a colloquialism in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a woman's hips or waistline.
- If you are driving through the Andes, a sign might warn of curvas de herradura, which means 'horseshoe curves'.
- In Spanish, the word cerrada comes from cerrar meaning 'to close'. This describes a sharp turn as one that is 'closed' or 'tightened', rather than 'sharp' as in a blade.
Examples in context
- Continúe por esta carretera hasta llegar a las curvas cerradas.Continue on this road until you reach the sharp turns.
- Tenga cuidado al abordar las curvas pronunciadas de la montaña.Be careful when tackling the sharp turns of the mountain.
- El conductor realizó giros bruscos en las esquinas sin precaución.The driver made sharp turns at the corners without caution.
- El camino a Machu Picchu está lleno de vueltas cerradas e impresionantes paisajes.The road to Machu Picchu is full of sharp turns and breathtaking scenery.
- La ruta tiene algunas curvas cerradísimas. ¡Conduce con precaución!The route has some extremely sharp turns. Drive with caution!
- Hay muchas curvas cerradas en esta carretera.There are many sharp turns on this road.
- Ten cuidado con las curvas cerradas de la montaña.Be careful with the sharp turns in the mountains.
- El conductor frenó antes de las curvas cerradas.The driver braked before the sharp turns.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are driving through a winding mountain pass.
- MateoElena, esta ruta tiene demasiadas curvas cerradas.Elena, this route has too many sharp turns.
- ElenaEs verdad, Mateo, conduce con mucho cuidado.It's true, Mateo, drive very carefully.
- MateoSí, las curvas cerradas me ponen nervioso.Yes, the sharp turns make me nervous.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, yo te ayudo a mirar el camino.Don't worry, I will help you watch the road.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
