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How to Say "fuel" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fuel” is “combustible” — use this word when referring to materials that produce energy, like gasoline, diesel, or natural gas used for vehicles or heating.

English → Spanish

combustible

kohm-boos-TEE-blehkom.busˈti.βle

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to materials that produce energy, like gasoline, diesel, or natural gas used for vehicles or heating.
A perfectly stacked pile of dry brown firewood logs.

Examples

El coche necesita combustible para funcionar.

The car needs fuel to run.

El precio del combustible ha subido mucho este mes.

The price of fuel has gone up a lot this month.

El avión tiene suficiente combustible para cruzar el océano.

The plane has enough fuel to cross the ocean.

La madera es un combustible natural muy usado en las chimeneas.

Wood is a natural fuel widely used in fireplaces.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-e', 'combustible' when used as a noun (fuel) is always masculine: 'el combustible'.

gas

gasɡas

nounA2general
This is a common, general term for gaseous energy sources, often used for cooking or heating, and can sometimes overlap with 'combustible'.
A simple illustration of a lit stove burner showing a bright, controlled blue flame, representing natural gas used for heating.

Examples

Vamos a comprar gas para la estufa.

We are going to buy gas for the stove.

La cocina funciona con gas natural.

The stove works with natural gas.

Hay que pagar la factura del gas este mes.

We have to pay the gas bill this month.

Confusing Gas for Gasoline

Mistake: “¿Dónde está la estación de gas?”

Correction: In most of Spain and many parts of Latin America, use 'gasolina' for car fuel. Use 'gas' primarily for cooking/heating fuel. The correct phrase is 'gasolinera' or 'estación de servicio'.

alimento

ah-lee-MEN-toha.liˈmen.to

nounB1figurative
Use this word metaphorically to mean 'nourishment' or 'sustenance' for the mind, soul, or a creative process, not for physical energy.
A small, vibrant green sapling growing strongly out of rich brown soil, illuminated by gentle sunlight, symbolizing sustenance or figurative support.

Examples

La música es alimento para el espíritu.

Music is fuel for the spirit.

La lectura es alimento para el alma y la mente.

Reading is food/nourishment for the soul and the mind.

Su ambición era el principal alimento de sus acciones.

His ambition was the main fuel for his actions.

pasto

PAHS-tohˈpasto

nounB2figurative
This word is used metaphorically to refer to the 'fodder' for fire, rumors, or gossip, or literally for grazing land for animals.
A neat pile of dried yellow hay sitting in a wooden barn.

Examples

Los chismes son pasto para la envidia.

Gossip is fuel for envy.

Las vacas están en el pasto.

The cows are out at pasture (feeding).

La casa vieja fue pasto de las llamas.

The old house was consumed by the flames.

Ese escándalo fue pasto de los chismes por semanas.

That scandal was fodder for gossip for weeks.

Metaphorical Use

When used metaphorically (like 'fodder for fire'), 'pasto' describes something that is easily consumed or taken advantage of.

Literal vs. Metaphorical Use

The most common mistake is using 'combustible' or 'gas' for metaphorical 'fuel' (like for the mind or soul). Remember that 'alimento' and 'pasto' are typically used for these figurative senses, while 'combustible' and 'gas' refer to physical energy sources.

Related Translations

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