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How to Say "spare part" in Spanish

English → Spanish

repuesto

reh-PWEHS-toh/reˈpwesto/

nounA2machinery or electronics
Use 'repuesto' when referring to a specific replacement part for machinery, vehicles, or electronic devices.
A brand new shiny metallic gear sitting alone on a wooden workbench.

Examples

El mecánico me dijo que necesitaba un repuesto para el motor.

The mechanic told me I needed a spare part for the engine.

Necesito un repuesto para mi coche.

I need a spare part for my car.

He comprado un repuesto de tinta para la impresora.

I bought an ink refill for the printer.

No tenemos esa pieza de repuesto en el taller ahora mismo.

We don't have that spare part in the shop right now.

Using 'de repuesto'

In Spanish, you often use 'de repuesto' after a noun to mean 'spare.' For example: 'una llave de repuesto' (a spare key).

Refills vs. Parts

Mistake: “Using 'relleno' for a pen refill.”

Correction: Use 'repuesto' for ink cartridges or pen refills; 'relleno' is usually for food filling like a taco or a cake.

pieza

pee-EH-sah/ˈpjeθa/

nounA2replacement component
Use 'pieza' for a general replacement component or a missing part in a set, not specifically limited to machinery or electronics.
A single, brightly colored puzzle piece floating slightly apart from the main, incomplete puzzle it belongs to, illustrating a component.

Examples

Se me ha perdido una pieza del lavavajillas y no funciona bien.

I've lost a part of the dishwasher and it's not working properly.

Perdí una pieza del rompecabezas y ahora no puedo terminarlo.

I lost one piece of the puzzle and now I can't finish it.

Necesitamos reemplazar esta pieza rota del motor.

We need to replace this broken part of the engine.

Pieza vs. Repuesto

Learners often use 'pieza' for any spare part, but it's best to reserve 'repuesto' for mechanical or electronic components. While 'pieza' can sometimes work, using 'repuesto' is more precise for things like car parts or appliance components.

Related Translations

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