llaves de la regadera
/ʝabes de la ɾeɡadeɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "shower handles" is translated into Spanish as llaves de la regadera.
This phrase refers to the knobs or levers used to control the flow and temperature of water in a shower.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'keys of the shower'. In this context, llaves (keys) is the standard term used for faucets or handles.
Which one should you use?
While regadera is common in Mexico, ducha is the more common term for shower in Spain and many other Latin American countries, leading to the alternative llaves de la ducha. Additionally, use the singular form la llave de la regadera if you are referring to a single control knob rather than a set of handles.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the expression llaves de la regadera.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝabes de la ɾeɡadeɾa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word regadera refers not only to a shower but also to a watering can used in gardens.
- The word llave is used for both a door key and a water faucet. This is because both objects function as a way to 'unlock' or 'lock' a passage, whether it is a door or a flow of water.
- The word regadera comes from the verb regar, which is the same verb used for 'watering' plants or 'irrigating' a field.
Examples in context
- Estas manijas de la ducha están muy resbaladizasThese shower handles are very slippery
- Las llaves de la regadera están muy flojas.The shower handles are very loose.
- Necesito cambiar las llaves de la regadera.I need to change the shower handles.
- El agua no sale por las llaves de la regadera.Water is not coming out of the shower handles.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are in their bathroom looking at a repair.
- Mateo¿Qué le pasa a las llaves de la regadera, Elena?What is wrong with the shower handles, Elena?
- ElenaTienen una fuga de agua, Mateo.They have a water leak, Mateo.
- MateoVoy a comprar unas llaves de la regadera nuevas.I am going to buy some new shower handles.
- ElenaGracias, eso sería de mucha ayuda.Thanks, that would be a big help.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, la, regadera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
