Inklingo

How to Say "pipe" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tubo

/too-boh//ˈtuβo/

nounA1general
Use 'tubo' for pipes used in plumbing, construction, or as hollow cylinders for carrying liquids or gases.
A single, short segment of gray metallic pipe used for plumbing connections.

Examples

El fontanero instaló un tubo nuevo para el desagüe.

The plumber installed a new pipe for the drain.

Necesitamos reemplazar el tubo de agua caliente.

We need to replace the hot water pipe.

Por favor, pásame el tubo de pegamento.

Please pass me the tube of glue.

El niño miraba los peces en el tubo de cristal.

The boy watched the fish in the glass tube.

Gender Reminder

Since 'tubo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Remember to use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'el tubo' when you mean 'he had' (él tuvo).”

Correction: Make sure you use the correct ending: 'tubo' (noun) vs. 'tuvo' (verb form of tener).

pipa

/pee-pah//ˈpipa/

nounA2specific
Use 'pipa' specifically for a smoking device, typically made of wood or other material, with a bowl for tobacco.
A classic wooden smoking pipe with a curved stem resting on a wooden table.

Examples

Mi abuelo siempre fuma en pipa después de cenar.

My grandfather always smokes a pipe after dinner.

Necesito limpiar la pipa.

I need to clean the pipe.

Gender Check

This is a 'la' word (feminine). Even though it describes an object often associated with older men in literature, the word itself is always feminine: 'la pipa'.

Pipa vs. Tubo Confusion

The most common mistake is using 'pipa' when referring to plumbing or construction pipes. Remember, 'tubo' is the general term for these functional conduits, while 'pipa' is reserved for smoking instruments.

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