How to Say "piping" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “piping” is “tubería” — use this word when referring to the actual pipes or the system of pipes installed within a building, like in a kitchen or bathroom.
tubería
too-beh-REE-ahtuβeˈɾia
Examples
La tubería de la cocina está goteando.
The kitchen piping is leaking.
Tuvieron que cambiar toda la tubería del edificio porque era muy vieja.
They had to change all the building's plumbing because it was very old.
El gas circula por una tubería de cobre.
The gas flows through a copper pipe.
A Word for a Group
Use 'tubería' when you want to talk about the whole system of pipes together. If you just want to talk about one single piece or stick, use the word 'tubo'.
Always Feminine
This word is feminine, so you should always use 'la' or 'una' with it. Even if the pipes carry something traditionally 'masculine' like gas, the word itself stays feminine.
Confusing Pipe and Plumbing
Mistake: “Using 'tubería' when you mean the profession of a plumber.”
Correction: Say 'fontanería' for the trade or profession, and 'tubería' for the physical metal or plastic pipes.
conducción
kon-dook-SYOHNkonduɡˈθjon
Examples
El metal es un buen material para la conducción de calor.
Metal is a good material for heat conduction.
Hubo una fuga en la conducción de gas principal.
There was a leak in the main gas pipe.
La conducción nerviosa es esencial para el movimiento.
Nerve conduction is essential for movement.
Technical Jargon
In technical Spanish, this word describes the physical movement of energy or matter from point A to point B.
filete
fee-LEH-tehfiˈlete
Examples
La portada del libro tiene un filete de oro.
The book cover has a gold border.
El sofá tiene un filete blanco que resalta el color azul.
The sofa has white piping that highlights the blue color.
Abstract use
Think of this meaning as a 'thin strip' of something, which helps connect it to the food meaning (a thin strip of meat).
Physical Pipes vs. The System of Pipes
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