Inklingo

How to Say "float" in Spanish

English → Spanish

carroza

/kah-ROH-thah//kaˈroθa/

nounB1general
Use 'carroza' when referring to a decorated platform or vehicle that moves in a parade or festival.
A colorful parade float decorated with large bright paper flowers and glittery shapes.

Examples

La carroza de la reina estaba decorada con miles de flores.

The queen's float was decorated with thousands of flowers.

Cenicienta fue al baile en una carroza de oro.

Cinderella went to the ball in a gold carriage.

Participaremos en el desfile con nuestra propia carroza.

We will participate in the parade with our own float.

Using 'en' with carroza

Just like with cars or buses, use the word 'en' to say you are riding in a carriage or on a float.

Always Feminine

Even if a king is riding in it, the word for the vehicle itself stays feminine: 'la carroza'.

Car vs. Carriage

Mistake:Using 'carroza' to mean a regular car.

Correction: Use 'coche' or 'carro' for a daily vehicle. 'Carroza' is only for fancy, decorative, or ceremonial vehicles.

flotante

/flo-TAHN-teh//floˈtante/

nounB1general
Use 'flotante' for a device that floats, especially the mechanism in a toilet tank that controls water level.
A plastic ball float inside a clean water tank attached to a metal arm.

Examples

Tengo que arreglar el flotante del inodoro.

I have to fix the toilet float.

El flotante del tanque de gasolina no marca bien.

The fuel tank float isn't measuring correctly.

El agua rebalsa porque el flotante está trabado.

The water is overflowing because the float is stuck.

Noun usage

In this case, it is a noun, so it usually goes with 'el' (masculine article).

Flotante vs. Flotador

Mistake:Using 'flotante' for a life jacket.

Correction: Use 'flotador' for a life jacket or pool toy; 'flotante' is usually the mechanical part inside a tank.

Parade vs. Toilet

The most common mistake is using 'flotante' for a parade float. Remember that 'carroza' is specifically for parade vehicles, while 'flotante' refers to a mechanical or buoyant object, like in a toilet tank.

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