How to Say "towing" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “towing” is “remolque” — use 'remolque' when referring to the service that tows vehicles or the general act of towing another vehicle, especially when a vehicle is involved..
remolque
/reh-MOHL-kay//reˈmolke/
Examples
Llamé al servicio de remolque porque el motor se detuvo.
I called the towing service because the engine stopped.
El barco necesitó un remolque hasta el puerto.
The boat needed a tow to the port.
La cuerda de remolque debe ser muy resistente.
The tow rope must be very strong.
Action vs. Object
When used for the action, 'remolque' often follows the preposition 'de', like in 'servicio de remolque'.
Towing Service
Mistake: “Saying 'Necesito un remolque' when your car breaks down.”
Correction: While understandable, most people say 'Necesito una grúa' (I need a tow truck) in Spain.
arrastre
/ah-RAHS-treh//aˈras.tɾe/
Examples
El arrastre del camión por el barro fue muy difícil.
Towing the truck through the mud was very difficult.
La fuerza de arrastre del agua movió las rocas.
The dragging force of the water moved the rocks.
Este barco utiliza redes de arrastre para pescar.
This boat uses trawl nets for fishing.
A Noun from a Verb
This word is a noun formed from the verb 'arrastrar' (to drag). In Spanish, we often turn verbs into nouns by changing the ending to '-e' or '-o'.
Gender Confusion
Mistake: “la arrastre”
Correction: el arrastre (it is a masculine noun).
Remolque vs. Arrastre
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