llave de tubo
/ʝabe de tubo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'socket wrench' is translated into Spanish as llave de tubo.
A socket wrench is a tool used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts using a detachable socket. In many Spanish-speaking regions, the individual detachable sockets used with the wrench are called dados.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase llave de tubo literally translates to 'tube wrench'.
Which one should you use?
llave de carraca is often used specifically to refer to the ratchet mechanism of the wrench.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and some Latin American countries, the term carraca is used for a socket wrench. In Mexico, the term matraca is commonly used to refer to the ratchet handle of a socket wrench.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝabe de tubo/
Did you know?
- The word dados, used for the individual sockets, is the exact same word used for 'dice' in a board game.
- The word llave used in llave de tubo comes from the Latin clāvis, which also gave English the musical term 'clef'.
- In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, the term carraca refers not just to the tool, but specifically to the clicking sound the ratchet mechanism makes.
Examples in context
- En este proyecto, necesitarás una llave de vaso para aflojar esos pernos.In this project, you will need a socket wrench to loosen those bolts.
- Te recomendaría utilizar una llave de tubo para ajustar correctamente las tuercas.I would recommend using a socket wrench to properly tighten the nuts.
- Pásame la llave de dados, voy a apretar estas tuercas.Pass me the socket wrench, I'll tighten these nuts.
- No te olvides de llevar la carraca, la necesitarás para ese trabajo.Don't forget to take the socket wrench, you'll need it for that job.
- Necesito una llave de tubo para este tornillo.I need a socket wrench for this screw.
- La llave de tubo está en la caja.The socket wrench is in the box.
- Usa la llave de tubo para apretar la tuerca.Use the socket wrench to tighten the nut.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are working on a car engine in a garage.
- Elena¿Tienes la llave de tubo, Mateo?Do you have the socket wrench, Mateo?
- MateoSí, la tengo aquí mismo.Yes, I have it right here.
- ElenaPásamela para terminar el trabajo.Pass it to me to finish the job.
- MateoToma, ten cuidado con la pieza.Here, be careful with the part.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, llave, tubo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
