Inklingo

How to Say "conveyor belt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cinta

SEEN-tah/ˈsin̪.t̪a/

nounB2general
Use 'cinta' when referring to a moving belt used for transporting items (like at airports or factories) or for exercise equipment (like a treadmill).
A simple illustration of a gray exercise treadmill with a moving black belt.

Examples

Las maletas se mueven rápidamente sobre la cinta transportadora.

The suitcases move quickly on the conveyor belt.

Correr en la cinta es más fácil para mis rodillas que correr en la calle.

Running on the treadmill is easier on my knees than running on the street.

El equipaje va sobre una cinta transportadora.

The luggage goes onto a conveyor belt.

Defining the Machine

To specify a treadmill, Spanish speakers often just say 'la cinta' when in the context of a gym, but use the fuller phrase 'cinta de correr' when needing to be precise.

correa

/ko-RRE-ah//koˈrea/

nounB2technical
Use 'correa' when the 'belt' functions as a component that transmits power, such as in a car's engine (timing belt) or certain types of machinery.
A black rubber mechanical belt looped around two metal gears.

Examples

El mecánico revisó la correa de accesorios del motor.

The mechanic checked the engine's accessory belt.

Tengo que cambiar la correa de distribución del coche.

I have to change the car's timing belt.

Las maletas están saliendo por la correa transportadora.

The suitcases are coming out on the conveyor belt.

Compound Nouns

In mechanical terms, 'correa' is often followed by 'de' and the function, like 'correa de transmisión' (drive belt).

Cinta vs. Correa: Function is Key

The most common mistake is using 'cinta' when 'correa' is needed for a power-transmitting belt in machinery or vehicles. Remember that 'cinta' usually implies movement for transport or exercise, while 'correa' often signifies a mechanical component.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.