freno
/FREH-noh/
brake
A mechanical brake used to slow down or stop movement.
freno(noun)
brake
?mechanical device for slowing or stopping
pedal
?referring specifically to the brake pedal
📝 In Action
Pisé el freno justo a tiempo.
A2I stepped on the brake just in time.
Mi bicicleta tiene los frenos gastados.
A2My bike has worn-out brakes.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'freno' as a noun
Since this is a masculine noun, always use 'el' or 'un' with it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Brake vs. Break
Mistake: "Using 'romper' when you mean to stop a car."
Correction: Use 'freno' for the mechanical part and 'frenar' for the action. 'Romper' means to smash or shatter something.
⭐ Usage Tips
In the car
If you are in a car, 'el freno' usually refers to the pedal on the floor.
A restraint or barrier that limits and controls movement.
freno(noun)
restraint
?something that limits or controls
,check
?a limit on something
curb
?to keep something under control
,bit
?the metal piece in a horse's mouth
📝 In Action
No tiene freno cuando se pone a hablar.
B2He has no restraint once he starts talking.
La ley sirvió como un freno a la corrupción.
C1The law served as a check on corruption.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative use
Just like in English, we use the word for stopping a car to describe stopping a behavior.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing lack of control
Use 'sin freno' to describe someone acting wildly or a situation getting out of hand.
The action of braking to slow down.
📝 In Action
Yo siempre freno en las esquinas.
A2I always brake at the corners.
Si veo un animal, freno de golpe.
B1If I see an animal, I brake suddenly.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'I' form
When you see 'freno' used as a verb, it is the form for 'I'. It comes from the action word 'frenar' (to brake).
⭐ Usage Tips
Action vs. Object
If you say 'El freno', you mean the object. If you say 'Yo freno', you are describing what you are doing.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: freno
Question 1 of 2
If your car isn't stopping and you need to use the pedal, which one do you press?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'freno' a verb or a noun?
It's both! As a noun, it means 'the brake' (the object). As a verb, it is the 'I' form of 'frenar,' meaning 'I brake' (the action).
How do you say 'handbrake' in Spanish?
You say 'freno de mano,' which literally translates to 'hand brake.'