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How to Say "tank" in Spanish

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tanque

TAHN-kehˈtaŋke

nounA2general
Use 'tanque' when referring to the fuel tank of a vehicle or a general container for liquids or gas.
A large, simple blue cylindrical water storage tank standing on four metal legs against a clear blue sky.

Examples

Necesito parar para llenar el tanque de gasolina.

I need to stop to fill the gas tank.

Revisamos el nivel del agua en el tanque.

We checked the water level in the tank.

El tanque blindado avanzó por el campo.

The armored tank advanced across the field.

La película mostraba un combate entre varios tanques.

The movie showed a battle between several tanks.

tanque

nounB1military
Use 'tanque' specifically for an armored military vehicle.

Examples

El tanque blindado avanzó por el campo.

The armored tank advanced across the field.

depósito

nounA2general
Use 'depósito' for a storage space or a general container, often for larger items or in a more formal context than 'tanque'.

Examples

Dejamos las cajas viejas en el depósito de la escuela.

We left the old boxes in the school's storage room.

blindado

bleen-DAH-dohblinˈda.ðo

nounB2informal/general military
Use 'blindado' as an informal or general term for any heavy armored military transport vehicle.
A sturdy, green military truck with thick armored walls and heavy wheels.

Examples

Los blindados avanzaron por la frontera al amanecer.

The armored vehicles advanced across the border at dawn.

El desfile militar incluyó varios blindados de última generación.

The military parade included several latest-generation armored vehicles.

Un blindado de transporte de tropas fue visto en la zona.

An armored troop transport was seen in the area.

Noun vs. Adjective usage

When used as a noun, 'un blindado' refers to the vehicle itself. It is a shortcut for saying 'un vehículo blindado'.

tina

TEE-nahˈtina

nounB1industrial/agricultural
Use 'tina' for a vat or large tub used for storage or fermentation, especially in contexts like winemaking.
A massive, cylindrical, metal industrial vat, standing on the floor of a simple warehouse or factory environment.

Examples

El vino se está fermentando en una gran tina de roble.

The wine is fermenting in a large oak vat.

Necesitamos una tina para mezclar el cemento.

We need a tub (or mixing container) to mix the cement.

Context is Key

If you hear 'tina' outside of a bathroom context (e.g., in a winery or construction site), it refers to a very large, utility container or tank.

Military Tank vs. Fuel Tank

The most frequent confusion is between 'tanque' (fuel tank/container) and 'tanque' (military tank). Remember that while 'tanque' can mean both, context is crucial. Use 'blindado' for a more general term for military vehicles if unsure.

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