Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| correa de distribución | /korea de distɾibuθjon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /korea de distɾibusjon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| banda de distribución | /banda de distɾibuθjon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /banda de distɾibusjon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| banda dentada | /banda dentada/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
This term refers to a component of an internal combustion engine.
What does it mean word for word?
The term correa de distribución literally translates to 'distribution belt', which refers to the belt that distributes motion to the engine components.
Which one should you use?
While correa de distribución is the most standard and widely understood term across most Spanish-speaking countries, other variations exist. Banda de distribución and banda dentada focus more on the belt's physical characteristics or specific regional preferences, with banda dentada specifically meaning 'toothed belt'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, particularly in Mexico, banda de distribución is a common variation. In parts of Latin America, the term banda dentada is often used in technical or mechanical contexts to describe the belt as a 'toothed belt'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun correa to correas, while the prepositional phrase de distribución remains singular, resulting in correas de distribución.
Did you know?
- The word correa has a humble origin, descending from the Latin 'corrigia' which meant a 'shoelace'.
- The word banda is a versatile term that can refer to a timing belt, a musical 'band' or a political 'faction'.
- In Spanish, the choice between using correa and banda often signals whether the speaker is from Spain or Mexico.
Examples in context
- Tu automóvil necesita un cambio de correa de distribución.Your car needs a timing belt replacement.
- Mi mecánico me recomendó revisar la correa de distribución.My mechanic recommended checking the timing belt.
- Creo que es hora de cambiar la correa de tiempo de mi coche.I think it's time to change my car's timing belt.
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo conseguir una banda de tiempo nueva?Do you know where I can get a new timing belt?
- Tengo que cambiar la correa de distribución.I have to change the timing belt.
- La correa de distribución está muy gastada.The timing belt is very worn out.
- El mecánico revisó la correa de distribución.The mechanic checked the timing belt.
Example conversation
At a mechanic's shop, María is asking Daniel about a car repair.
- María¿Sabes cuánto cuesta la correa de distribución?Do you know how much the timing belt costs?
- DanielNo estoy seguro, pero es una pieza cara.I am not sure, but it is an expensive part.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿crees que es necesario cambiarla ahora?Daniel, do you think it is necessary to change it now?
- DanielSí, es mejor prevenir un fallo del motor.Yes, it is better to prevent an engine failure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “timing belt” translations and entries correa de distribución, 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 banda, correa, de, distribución, CC BY-SA 4.0.
