volante
/boˈlante/masculine
The Spanish phrase for steering wheel is volante. Wiktionary also lists manubrio and timón.
Meaning: wheel-shaped control (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| volante | /boˈlante/ | masculine |
| manubrio | /maˈnubɾjo/ | Chile, masculine |
| timón | /tiˈmon/ | Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, masculine |
The term refers to a wheel-shaped control. You can use the verb girar to talk about turning the steering wheel, and the verb ajustar when discussing adjusting its position.
Which one should you use?
While volante is the standard term for a car's steering wheel, timón specifically refers to a ship's rudder or helm in most other Spanish-speaking regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, it is common to use volante. In Chile, the word manubrio is used to refer to a steering wheel. In Cuba, Guatemala, Panama and Peru, the word timón is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun volante is masculine and requires the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈlante/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, volante is used to describe a defensive midfielder in soccer who plays just in front of the defense. This refers to their role in directing the flow of the game.
- The word volante also means 'flyer' as in a promotional pamphlet and 'shuttlecock' in badminton. Both uses share the same root meaning of something that flies or moves quickly through the air.
- The word volante can also refer to a 'flyer' or a circular decorative element in clothing, such as a ruffle.
Examples in context
- Giré el volante del coche hacia la derecha.I turned my steering wheel to the right.This sentence demonstrates turning the volante.Tatoeba #343014 by tatoerique, translation #974238 by Skaty
- Soy tan sofisticado que, cuando sostengo el volante, levanto el dedo meñique.I'm so fancy, I lift my pinky when I hold the steering wheel.This sentence describes holding the volante.Tatoeba #10617225 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10504428 by DJ_Saidez
- Cuando manejas, asegúrate de sujetar bien el volante.When you drive, make sure to hold the steering wheel firmly.
- Agarra bien el volante antes de arrancar el carro.Hold the steering wheel properly before starting the car.
- El volante es plegable, lo cual facilita la entrada y salida del vehículo.The steering wheel is foldable, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.
- Puedes ajustar la posición del volante para mayor confort durante la conducción.You can adjust the steering wheel position for increased driving comfort.
- Recuerda girar el volante en sentido contrario al deslizamiento en caso de derrape.Remember to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid in the event of a slide.
- El volante está muy sucio.The steering wheel is very dirty.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are inside a parked car.
- DanielMaría, ¿puedes limpiar el volante, por favor?María, can you clean the steering wheel, please?
- MaríaSí, Daniel, ahora mismo lo limpio.Yes, Daniel, I will clean it right now.
- DanielGracias, tiene mucho polvo.Thanks, it has a lot of dust.
- MaríaListo, el volante quedó perfecto.Done, the steering wheel is perfect now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steering wheel” translations and entries volante, manubrio, timón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
