alquitrán
/alkiˈtɾan/masculine
In Spanish, tar is alquitrán. Wiktionary also lists galipote and chapopote.
Meaning: substance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alquitrán | /alkiˈtɾan/ | masculine |
| galipote | /ɡalipote/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| chapopote | /t͡ʃapoˈpote/ | masculine |
| chapapote | /t͡ʃapaˈpote/ | masculine |
The related verb alquitranar means to coat something with tar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chapopote is a term prevalent in Mexico. Galipote is used in certain Caribbean and Central American regions to refer to tar or similar viscous substances.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of the noun provided are masculine. The verb alquitranar is derived directly from the noun alquitrán.
How do you pronounce it?
/alkiˈtɾan/
Did you know?
- The term alquitrán is an unexpected guest in the Spanish language, arriving via Andalusian Arabic rather than through Latin.
- While alquitrán is the standard noun, Spanish also uses brea to refer to pitch or tar, a word that often appears in traditional folk songs and poetry.
- In some Latin American regions, chapopote can be used colloquially to describe any thick, black, and sticky mess, regardless of whether it is actually tar.
Examples in context
- Repararon los baches con alquitrán.They fixed the potholes with tar.This example shows how to use alquitrán when discussing repairing potholes.Tatoeba #7922486 by Seael, translation #13043189 by araneo
- Los componentes obtenidos de la destilación del alquitrán de hulla son los indicados abajo.The components obtained by distillation of coal tar are as shown below.This sentence uses alquitrán in a technical context regarding coal tar distillation.Tatoeba #1179097 by marcelostockle, translation #329072 by fcbond
- La calle fue revestida con alquitrán.The road was paved with tar.This example demonstrates the use of alquitrán when describing a road being paved.Tatoeba #1488081 by arnxy20, translation #9528443 by CK
- Es necesario utilizar alquitrán en el proceso de construcción de carreteras.It is necessary to use tar in the road construction process.
- ¡Cuidado! Hay brea en el camino.Be careful! There's tar on the road.
- Recuerda no pisar el chapopote fresco.Remember not to step on fresh tar.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at a messy construction site.
- Elena¿Ese olor es por el alquitrán?Is that smell from the tar?
- MateoSí, están trabajando en el pavimento.Yes, they are working on the pavement.
- ElenaCuidado, el alquitrán está muy caliente.Be careful, the tar is very hot.
- MateoGracias, tendré mucho cuidado.Thanks, I will be very careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tar” translations and entries alquitrán, chapopote, chapapote, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alquitrán, chapopote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
