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How to Say "coil" in Spanish

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rollo

ROH-yohˈro.ʎo

nounA1general
Use 'rollo' when referring to a cylindrical roll of flexible material, such as wire, rope, or paper, that is wound around itself.
A tightly wound spool of bright red ribbon resting on a clean white surface.

Examples

Necesito un rollo de cable para la instalación eléctrica.

I need a coil of cable for the electrical installation.

Necesito un rollo de papel de regalo para envolver el libro.

I need a roll of wrapping paper to wrap the book.

El electricista dejó un rollo de cable en la esquina.

The electrician left a coil of cable in the corner.

Nouns for Measurement

'Rollo' is often used like a measuring unit, similar to saying 'a sheet' or 'a piece.' Remember it's always masculine: 'un rollo'.

espiral

es-pee-RAHLespiˈɾal

nounA2general
Choose 'espiral' when you mean a shape that curves around in a continuous line, like a spiral staircase or a drawing of a spiral.
A colorful seashell with a clear spiral pattern winding towards its center.

Examples

La escalera forma una espiral perfecta hacia el segundo piso.

The staircase forms a perfect coil towards the second floor.

Dibuja una espiral en tu cuaderno.

Draw a spiral in your notebook.

La concha del caracol tiene forma de espiral.

The snail's shell has a spiral shape.

Prefiero los cuadernos con espiral de metal.

I prefer notebooks with metal spiral binding.

It's a 'Girl' Word

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', espiral is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Describing Shapes

When using it to describe something else, we usually say 'en espiral' (in a spiral) rather than using it as a direct adjective.

The 'El' Trap

Mistake: “El espiral es azul.”

Correction: La espiral es azul. (Think of it like 'la sal' or 'la miel'; some words ending in consonants are feminine!)

muelle

MWEH-yehˈmweʎe

nounB1technical
Use 'muelle' specifically for a mechanical spring, typically made of metal, used to absorb shock or store energy.
A single, large, silver helical coil spring standing upright on a solid-colored background.

Examples

El sistema de suspensión del coche utiliza muelles para amortiguar los baches.

The car's suspension system uses springs (coils) to cushion bumps.

El coche necesita que le cambien los muelles de la suspensión.

The car needs its suspension springs changed.

Esta silla es incómoda porque se le ha roto un muelle.

This chair is uncomfortable because a spring in it has broken.

El bolígrafo tiene un pequeño muelle para que el botón funcione.

The pen has a small spring so that the button works.

The Other 'Spring'

Remember, 'muelle' is only the mechanical object or the dock. The season 'Spring' (March to May) is 'primavera' (a feminine noun).

Confusing the Season

Mistake: “Me gusta el muelle.”

Correction: This means 'I like the spring/dock'. If you mean the season, say 'Me gusta la primavera'.

Rollo vs. Espiral

Learners often confuse 'rollo' and 'espiral'. Remember that 'rollo' refers to a physical 'roll' of material, while 'espiral' describes a specific curved 'shape'. Don't use 'espiral' for a roll of wire.

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