intermitente
/inteɾmitente/from spelling rules
The English phrase "turn signal" is translated into Spanish as intermitente.
The term refers to the flashing light on a vehicle used to show other drivers that it is turning. A common way to say "to use one's turn signal" is to use the phrase poner el intermitente.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations are common: in Mexico and parts of Latin America, people frequently use la direccional. In the Southern Cone, such as Argentina or Uruguay, la luz de giro is a common way to refer to the turn signal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to turn signals in the plural, use the masculine plural form los intermitentes. While intermitente is most commonly used as a masculine noun for the device, it can be used as a feminine noun, la intermitente, in some dialects to refer to la luz intermitente (the flashing light).
How do you pronounce it?
/inteɾmitente/
Did you know?
- Because intermitente can function as both an adjective and a noun, a driver might say el coche tiene un fallo intermitente, which could mean the car has a 'flashing turn signal' or a 'sporadic/intermittent fault'.
- While intermitente is usually a noun for the signal, it is also a common adjective used to describe things like 'intermittent fasting' (ayuno intermitente).
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term intermitente describes any flashing light, meaning a driver might use the same word for their turn signal as they would for a flashing emergency beacon.
Examples in context
- No me funciona el intermitente derecho.My right turn signal doesn't work.This sentence is useful for describing a mechanical issue with the intermitente.Tatoeba #6583994 by arh, translation #10740549 by ddnktr
- Por favor, asegúrese de que las señales de giro estén funcionando correctamente en su automóvil.Please ensure that the turn signals are functioning properly in your car.
- El señalizador de viraje es un elemento fundamental para la seguridad vial.The turn signal is a fundamental element for road safety.
- Asegúrate de usar las intermitentes al girar a la derecha.Make sure to use the turn signals when turning right.
- El intermitente izquierdo no funciona.The left turn signal isn't working.
- Pon el intermitente para girar.Use the turn signal to turn.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are in a car together.
- Daniel¿Viste el intermitente de ese coche?Did you see that car's turn signal?
- LucíaSí, parece que va a girar a la derecha.Yes, it looks like he is going to turn right.
- DanielLucía, por favor, usa el intermitente para salir de aquí.Lucía, please, use the turn signal to get out of here.
- LucíaVale, lo pongo ahora mismo.Okay, I'll turn it on right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
