taqués
/takes/from spelling rules
In Spanish, valve lifters is translated as taqués.
The term refers to the mechanical components in an engine that transmit the motion of the camshaft to the valves.
Which one should you use?
Adding de válvula to create taqués de válvula makes the term more explicit in technical documentation. For a more formal tone, you may also use Levantadores de válvulas or Taqués de válvulas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, taqués is the standard way to refer to valve lifters. In many Latin American countries, botadores is more commonly used than taqués for valve lifters.
How do you pronounce it?
/takes/
Did you know?
- The word taqué is believed to be a loanword from the French taquet, which refers to a cleat or a small wooden peg. This reflects the historical influence of French automotive engineering on early Spanish technical language.
- While botadores is the standard term for lifters in some Latin American countries, the word can also mean 'bouncers' at a nightclub or 'ejectors' in a general mechanical sense.
- Spanish mechanics often use the phrase claqueo de taqués to describe the specific metallic clicking sound of a failing lifter. This onomatopoeic use of claqueo mimics the actual sound the engine makes.
Examples in context
- Necesito reemplazar los levantadores de válvulas en mi automóvil.I need to replace the valve lifters in my car.
- Necesito cambiar los taqués del motor.I need to change the engine valve lifters.
- Los taqués hacen un ruido extraño.The valve lifters are making a strange noise.
- El mecánico revisó los taqués hoy.The mechanic checked the valve lifters today.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing car repairs in a garage.
- Sofía¿Qué problema tiene el coche, Mateo?What is wrong with the car, Mateo?
- MateoParece que los taqués están desgastados.It seems that the valve lifters are worn out.
- SofíaEso suena muy caro de reparar.That sounds very expensive to repair.
- MateoSí, pero es necesario para el motor.Yes, but it is necessary for the engine.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
