arranque y parada
/aranke i paɾada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stop and go" is translated into Spanish as arranque y parada.
In Spanish, arranque y parada is used to describe traffic that moves forward and then stops repeatedly. While English speakers use the phrase "stop and go", the Spanish version is more literally "start and stop".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of arranque and parada, where the word parada refers to a stop or a halt.
Did you know?
- The verb arrancar from which arranque is derived is also the standard Spanish word for 'to tear out' or 'to uproot', such as pulling a weed from the ground.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you are stuck in 'stop and go' traffic, you might say you are in a atasco or a trancón, terms that describe a literal clog or a massive blockage.
- While parada refers to a stop, the word paro also means 'stop' but is used specifically for unemployment or a complete cessation of activity.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are stuck in a traffic jam in the car.
- DanielEste arranque y parada me está cansando.This stop-and-go is wearing me out.
- ElenaSí, Daniel, no avanzamos nada.Yes, Daniel, we aren't moving at all.
- DanielDeberíamos haber tomado otra ruta.We should have taken another route.
- ElenaAhora solo queda esperar, Elena dice.Now we just have to wait, Elena says.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arranque, parada, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
