Inklingo

How to Say "bolt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tornillo

tor-NEE-yohtoɾˈniʝo

nounA2casual
Use 'tornillo' when referring to a fastener with a threaded shaft, often used interchangeably with 'screw' in casual conversation, especially for furniture or general repairs.
A single metallic screw with a pointed end and a spiral thread on a clean background.

Examples

Necesito un tornillo para arreglar la silla.

I need a screw to fix the chair.

Necesito un tornillo para este mueble.

I need a screw for this furniture.

El tornillo está flojo y la puerta hace ruido.

The screw is loose and the door is making noise.

Gira el tornillo hacia la derecha para apretarlo.

Turn the screw to the right to tighten it.

Gender Identification

Since it ends in -o, it is a masculine word. You must use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one, simply add an -s: 'los tornillos'.

Tool vs. Fastener

Mistake: “Using 'tornillo' when you mean 'destornillador'.”

Correction: Use 'tornillo' for the metal piece and 'destornillador' for the tool (screwdriver) you use to turn it.

seguro

seh-GOO-rohseˈɣu.ɾo

nounB2
Use 'seguro' when referring to the sliding bar or latch that locks a door for security.
A close-up of a metal bolt latch on a wooden door, shown in the locked position.

Examples

Asegúrate de echar el seguro a la puerta antes de salir.

Make sure to slide the bolt on the door before leaving.

No olvides poner el seguro en la puerta antes de dormir.

Don't forget to put the lock on the door before sleeping.

El rifle tiene un seguro para evitar disparos accidentales.

The rifle has a safety lock to prevent accidental shots.

misil

mee-SEELmiˈsil

nounC1
Use 'misil' metaphorically to describe something moving extremely fast, like a powerful shot in sports or a fast projectile.
A soccer ball moving so fast it has motion lines behind it, heading straight into the corner of a goal net.

Examples

El jugador lanzó un misil a la portería.

The player launched a rocket towards the goal.

El delantero marcó un gol con un misil desde fuera del área.

The forward scored a goal with a rocket from outside the box.

Ese coche pasó por la calle como un misil.

That car flew down the street like a bolt of lightning.

Confusing Fasteners and Locks

Learners often confuse 'tornillo' (screw/bolt fastener) with 'seguro' (door lock). Remember that 'tornillo' refers to a piece of hardware used for fastening, while 'seguro' is specifically the mechanism that secures a door.

Related Translations

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