neumáticos
/neh-oo-MAH-tee-kohs/
tires
Un neumático: the rubber tire of a wheel.
📝 In Action
Tengo que cambiar los neumáticos de mi coche porque están viejos.
A2I have to change my car's tires because they are old.
La presión de los neumáticos debe ser revisada regularmente.
B1The tire pressure should be checked regularly.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it's a long word, it follows the basic rule: words ending in '-o' (or '-os' for plural) are usually masculine. Always use 'los' with 'neumáticos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Tire vs. Wheel
Mistake: "Using 'rueda' for everything."
Correction: Use 'neumático' for the rubber part and 'rueda' for the entire wheel (metal + rubber).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Choice
In Spain, 'neumático' is the standard term. If you travel to Mexico or Colombia, you will hear 'llanta' much more frequently for the same thing.
Sistemas neumáticos: pneumatic tools or systems powered by air pressure.
📝 In Action
Los trabajadores usan martillos neumáticos en la calle.
B2The workers are using pneumatic drills (jackhammers) on the street.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'neumáticos' must match the plural masculine noun it describes (like 'martillos' or 'frenos').
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Context
You'll mostly see this version of the word in DIY stores or when discussing heavy machinery.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: neumáticos
Question 1 of 1
If you are in Mexico and need to buy new tires, what word are you most likely to use?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'neumático' just the rubber part or the whole wheel?
Technically, it refers only to the rubber part that holds the air. The 'rueda' is the entire assembly, including the metal rim.