trucar
/tɾuˈkaɾ/
To tune up an engine in Spanish, you can use trucar or mejorar.
Meaning: adjust engine (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| trucar | /tɾuˈkaɾ/ |
| mejorar | /mexoˈɾaɾ/ |
The phrase is used when referring to adjusting or improving the performance of an engine.
Which one should you use?
While trucar can mean to tune up an engine, it often carries a connotation of tampering with or rigging something to work unnaturally or dishonestly. In contrast, mejorar is a neutral and safer way to express improving the performance of an engine without any potential connotation of dishonesty.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, some may use afinación to refer to an engine tune-up or a general tune-up. In Spain, the term revisión is commonly used to request a tune up.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾuˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the word for an engine tune-up afinación is the exact same word used for tuning a musical instrument.
- The verb trucar is derived from truco, the same word used to describe a 'trick' performed by a magician.
- The Spanish word mejorar is a close relative of the English word 'ameliorate'. Both words derive from the Latin root melior, meaning 'better'.
Examples in context
- Necesito una revisión general para mi coche, incluyendo el ajuste del motor, por favor.I need a general tune-up for my car, including an engine adjustment, please.
- Mi auto necesita un arreglo y ajuste del motor. ¿Me podrías ayudar?My car needs a tune-up and engine adjustment. Could you help me?
- Hay que hacerle una puesta a punto al motor.The engine needs a tune-up.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a vehicle in a garage.
- DanielHola María, voy a trucar mi moto hoy.Hi María, I'm going to tune up my bike today.
- María¡Qué bien! ¿Quieres que te ayude, Daniel?That's great! Do you want me to help you, Daniel?
- DanielSí, necesito ajustar algunas piezas primero.Yes, I need to adjust some parts first.
- MaríaPerfecto, busquemos las herramientas ahora.Perfect, let's look for the tools now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tune up” translations and entries trucar, mejorar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mejorar, trucar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
