espejo retrovisor lateral
/espexo ɾetɾobisoɾ lateɾal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "side mirror" is espejo retrovisor lateral in Spanish.
This phrase refers to a mirror attached to the side of a vehicle that allows the driver to see areas behind and beside them. In many contexts, the word retrovisor is omitted and espejo lateral is used to mean the same thing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of espejo (mirror), retrovisor (rearview) and lateral (side/lateral).
Did you know?
- The word espejo is a distant relative of the English word 'speculum'. Both come from the Latin word speculum, which originally meant a mirror.
- If you are driving in Mexico or parts of Central America, you may hear the term espejo de lado instead of the more formal espejo retrovisor lateral.
- Spanish has a specific word for the 'blind spot' associated with side mirrors, known as the punto ciego.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría ajustar el espejo lateral de mi automóvil, por favor?Could you adjust the side mirror of my car, please?
- El espejo retrovisor lateral está roto.The side mirror is broken.
- Debes limpiar el espejo retrovisor lateral.You must clean the side mirror.
- No puedo ver el espejo retrovisor lateral.I cannot see the side mirror.
Example conversation
María and Javier are preparing for a road trip.
- MaríaJavier, ¿está ajustado el espejo retrovisor lateral?Javier, is the side mirror adjusted?
- JavierNo, déjame mover el espejo retrovisor lateral.No, let me move the side mirror.
- MaríaGracias, ahora puedo ver mucho mejor.Thanks, now I can see much better.
- JavierPerfecto, ya podemos salir.Perfect, we can leave now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espejo, lateral, CC BY-SA 4.0.
