trabalenguas
/tɾabalenɡwas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'tongue twister' is translated into Spanish as trabalenguas.
A trabalenguas refers to a phrase or sentence that is difficult to say quickly and correctly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word trabalenguas is invariable in number. It remains 'trabalenguas' in both singular and plural forms. To make the word plural, you must change the article rather than the noun itself, such as in los trabalenguas.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾabalenɡwas/
Did you know?
- The word traba in trabalenguas can also refer to a physical latch or a mechanical lock. This makes the phrase literally describe the tongue being 'locked' or 'jammed' rather than just twisted.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, children often use trabalenguas as a game to test their speed rather than just as a linguistic exercise. They are frequently performed as rhythmic chants or part of oral storytelling traditions.
- Spanish trabalenguas are frequently used in schools specifically to help children master the pronunciation of the trilled 'rr' sound.
Examples in context
- Es un trabalenguas muy difícil.It's a very difficult tongue-twister.This sentence is useful for describing the difficulty of a specific trabalenguas.Tatoeba #1543868 by wallebot, translation #1543869 by wallebot
- ¿Cuál es tu trabalenguas favorito?What's your favorite tongue twister?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's favorite trabalenguas.Tatoeba #925672 by Shishir, translation #906917 by CK
- Tres tristes tigres tragan trigo en un trigalThree sad tigers swallow wheat in a wheatfield.
- El cielo está enladrillado, ¿quién lo desenladrillará? El desenladrillador que lo desenladrille, buen desenladrillador seráThe sky is brick-layered. Who will un-brick it? The un-bricker who un-bricks it will be a good un-bricker.
- Este trabalenguas me tiene confundido.This tongue twister has me confused.
Example conversation
Javier and María are playing a game during a break.
- Javier¿Puedes decir este trabalenguas rápido?Can you say this tongue twister fast?
- María¡No puedo, es demasiado difícil!I can't, it's too difficult!
- JavierTranquila, María, inténtalo otra vez.Calm down, María, try it again.
- MaríaLo intentaré, pero no prometo nada.I will try, but I don't promise anything.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
