repuesto
/reˈpwesto/
The English word 'spare' can be translated into Spanish as repuesto.
The adjective repuesto is used to describe something that is over and above what is necessary.
Meaning: being over and above what is necessary (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, the phrase espacio libre is sometimes used to refer to spare or free space.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes to repuesta if the noun it modifies is feminine, repuestos if the noun it modifies is masculine plural and repuestas if the noun it modifies is feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈpwesto/
Did you know?
- If you tell a Spanish speaker that you are repuesto, they will not think you are 'extra' or 'spare', but will instead assume you are feeling healthy and strong again after being sick.
- While repuesto describes a spare part, Spanish speakers use the word recambio in Spain to refer to a replacement part. Using one over the other can signal which side of the Atlantic the speaker is from.
- The word repuesto comes from the Latin repositus, which literally means 'placed back' or 'put back'.
Examples in context
- Llevamos dos llantas de repuesto.We are taking two spare tires.This sentence shows how to use repuesto with tires.Tatoeba #2269051 by hayastan, translation #2269050 by _undertoad
- Afortunadamente, tengo una llave de repuesto.Thankfully, I've got a spare key.This sentence illustrates using repuesto with a key.Tatoeba #10063065 by manufrutos, translation #10062413 by ddnktr
- Tom abrió el maletero para coger la rueda de repuesto.Tom opened the trunk to get the spare tire.This sentence demonstrates the use of repuesto in the context of a spare tire.Tatoeba #1179714 by Shishir, translation #1093167 by CK
- Tengo una entrada extra para el concierto. ¿Alguien quiere ir conmigo?I have a spare ticket for the concert. Does anyone want to go with me?
- ¿Tienes alguna silla de más? Necesito una para la cena.Do you have a spare chair? I need one for dinner.
- Si tienes comida sobrante, puedo compartirla con mis compañeros de trabajo.If you have spare food, I can share it with my coworkers.
- Me sobraron dos boletos para la película. ¿Hay alguien interesado?I have two spare tickets for the movie. Is anyone interested?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are getting ready for a trip.
- DanielMaría, ¿tienes un cable repuesto para el teléfono?María, do you have a spare cable for the phone?
- MaríaSí, tengo uno repuesto en mi maleta.Yes, I have a spare one in my suitcase.
- DanielPerfecto, porque el mío se rompió ayer.Perfect, because mine broke yesterday.
- MaríaToma, puedes usar este repuesto mientras tanto.Here, you can use this spare one in the meantime.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry repuesto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries repuesto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
