multa de tráfico
/multa de tɾafiko/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'traffic ticket' is translated into Spanish as multa de tráfico.
A traffic ticket refers to an official notice issued by police for a driving violation that requires the payment of a fine. Speakers often use the shortened version una multa if the context of driving is already established.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase multa de tráfico is composed of multa (fine) and de tráfico (of traffic).
Which one should you use?
multa de tráfico is the standard term for a traffic ticket, while infracción de tráfico is used specifically to mean 'traffic infraction'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the term comparendo is commonly used to refer to a traffic ticket.
How do you pronounce it?
/multa de tɾafiko/
Did you know?
- While English uses the word 'ticket' to mean both a document for entry and a fine, Spanish keeps these concepts strictly separate, using entrada or boleto for events and multa for violations.
- In many Latin American countries, a traffic ticket is not just a fine but is often called a comparendo, a term derived from the legal verb comparecer, which means 'to appear' before an authority.
- In Mexico, if you receive a traffic ticket, you might refer to it colloquially as a boleta, which functions as a shorthand for the official document issued by the officer.
Examples in context
- El oficial me entregó una multa de tráfico por exceso de velocidad.The officer gave me a traffic ticket for speeding.
- Me detuvieron y recibí una infracción de tráfico por no llevar el cinturón de seguridad.I was pulled over and received a traffic infraction for not wearing a seatbelt.
- Ayer me dieron una multa de tránsito por pasarme un semáforo en rojo.Yesterday, I got a traffic ticket for running a red light.
- Recibí un comparendo por estacionarme en un lugar prohibido.I received a traffic ticket for parking in a prohibited area.
- La policía me entregó una papeleta por conducir sin licencia.The police gave me a traffic ticket for driving without a license.
- Me pusieron una multa de tráfico por exceso de velocidad.I got a traffic ticket for speeding.
- Me dieron una multa de tráfico ayer.I got a traffic ticket yesterday.
- Tengo que pagar una multa de tráfico.I have to pay a traffic ticket.
- La multa de tráfico fue muy cara.The traffic ticket was very expensive.
Example conversation
Alejandro is telling María about a bad morning while driving.
- AlejandroTuve un mal día, me dieron una multa de tráfico.I had a bad day, I got a traffic ticket.
- María¿Por qué te detuvo la policía, Alejandro?Why did the police stop you, Alejandro?
- AlejandroIba demasiado rápido por la avenida.I was going too fast on the avenue.
- MaríaLo siento mucho, es una situación muy molesta.I'm very sorry, it is a very annoying situation.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
