bomba de achique
/bomba de at͡ʃike/from spelling rules
In Spanish, a sump pump is called bomba de achique.
A sump pump is a device used to remove water that has collected in a low area, such as a basement or a ship's hull. The term achique is specifically used for the process of removing water from a confined space, like a ship's hold or a flooded basement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bomba (pump) and achique (the act of draining or bailing out water).
Which one should you use?
While bomba de achique is the standard technical term, in a domestic context such as a basement, you might also hear bomba de sumidero.
How do you pronounce it?
/bomba de atʃike/
Did you know?
- The verb achicar, which forms the basis of bomba de achique, is used colloquially in some Spanish-speaking regions to mean 'to chicken out' or lose courage.
- The word bomba comes from the Latin bombus, which means 'noise'. This refers to the loud sound early pumps made while operating.
- In professional shipping, achique is a critical safety term. Improper 'bilge management' is a major environmental concern and can lead to heavy fines for vessels.
Examples in context
- Necesitamos una bomba de achique para el sótano.We need a sump pump for the basement.
- La bomba de achique no funciona bien.The sump pump is not working well.
- Instala la bomba de achique en el compartimento.Install the sump pump in the compartment.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are checking the basement after a heavy rain.
- Elena¿Está funcionando la bomba de achique?Is the sump pump working?
- AlejandroNo, Elena, la bomba de achique se ha roto.No, Elena, the sump pump has broken.
- Elena¡Qué problema! El sótano se va a inundar.What a problem! The basement is going to flood.
- AlejandroTranquila, buscaré una nueva ahora mismo.Don't worry, I will look for a new one right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bomba, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
