What does it mean word for word?
The phrase multa por exceso de velocidad literally translates to "fine for excess of speed", composed of multa (fine), por (for/due to), exceso (excess) and de velocidad (of speed).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear multa de tráfico por velocidad or multa por velocidad used to describe a speeding ticket. In Latin America, some countries may use the phrase papeleta por exceso de velocidad.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "speeding tickets", change the noun to multas por exceso de velocidad. The rest of the phrase remains unchanged.
How do you pronounce it?
/multa poɾ eɡsθeso de beloθidad/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When talking about receiving a ticket, avoid saying you "got" one in the English sense. Instead, use the phrasing me pusieron una multa, which conveys that the ticket was "put" or "given" to you.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word multa for a fine is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'multitude'.
- In some Latin American countries, a ticket is called a papeleta, which literally means a 'small piece of paper'.
- The English word 'velocity' and the Spanish word velocidad are linguistic cousins, as both descend from the Latin word 'vēlōx'.
Examples in context
- Hoy recibí una multa por exceso de velocidad mientras iba al trabajo.Today I received a speeding ticket while driving to work.
- No puedo creer que me hayan puesto un parte por exceso de velocidad camino a la playa.I can't believe I got a speeding ticket on my way to the beach.
- Le pusieron una multa de tráfico por ir a demasiada velocidad al pasar por la ciudad.She was fined for speeding while traveling through the city.
- Recibí una multa por exceso de velocidad ayer.I received a speeding ticket yesterday.
- Esa multa por exceso de velocidad es muy cara.That speeding ticket is very expensive.
- El policía me dio una multa por exceso de velocidad.The policeman gave me a speeding ticket.
Example conversation
Javier tells María about a bad day while driving.
- JavierTuve un mal día, me dieron una multa por exceso de velocidad.I had a bad day, I got a speeding ticket.
- María¿De verdad? ¿Fue muy alta la multa?Really? Was the fine very high?
- JavierSí, fue una multa por exceso de velocidad muy costosa.Yes, it was a very costly speeding ticket.
- MaríaLo siento mucho, Javier.I am very sorry, Javier.
