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frenos

FREH-nohs/ˈfɾenos/

“frenos” means “brakes” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

brakes

Also: restraints
NounmA2
A close-up of a bicycle wheel showing the brake pads gripping the metal rim.

📝 In Action

Tienes que revisar los frenos de la bicicleta.

A2

You have to check the bicycle's brakes.

El conductor pisó los frenos de repente.

B1

The driver hit the brakes suddenly.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • frenada (braking/skid mark)

Antonyms

  • acelerador (accelerator/gas pedal)

Common Collocations

  • pisar los frenos – to hit the brakes
  • frenos de disco – disc brakes

braces

NounmB1
Latin AmericaSpain
A wide smile showing teeth with silver dental braces on them.

📝 In Action

Llevé frenos durante tres años para enderezar mis dientes.

B1

I wore braces for three years to straighten my teeth.

A los niños no les gusta tener frenos.

A2

Kids don't like having braces.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aparatos (braces (Spain))
  • brackets (brackets/braces)

Common Collocations

  • ponerse frenos – to get braces put on
  • ajustar los frenos – to adjust the braces

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "frenos" in Spanish:

braces→brakes→restraints→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: frenos

Question 1 of 2

If you are at the dentist in Mexico, what are 'frenos'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
frenar(to brake / to slow down) — Verb
freno(a brake (singular)) — Noun
desenfrenado(uncontrolled / wild) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'frenum,' which referred to a bridle or bit used to control and stop a horse.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: freiosItalian: freni

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'frenos' for the suspenders that hold up pants?

No, those are called 'tirantes' in Spanish. 'Frenos' only refers to things that stop motion or straighten teeth.

Is 'frenos' always plural?

Not strictly, but when referring to the system in a car or the braces on someone's teeth, it is almost always used in the plural form.