After purchasing a motorcycle in the Malvín neighborhood of Montevideo, the author has had occasional requests to visit mechanics / vendors and discuss various topics related to motorcycles, automobiles, and the mechanical components of both.
This article provides a list of useful vocabulary that you have recorded during this process; The translations are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate, but they have learned to interact with the locals.
- Spanish English
- Plate: The license plate number … the actual metal plate on the vehicle.
- The registration: The registration of the vehicle that allows the issuance of a license plate.
- Rodo Patent: the road fund license (annual fee that allows you to drive on the highway)
- The changes: the gears
- First first
- Second: Second
- Third: Third
- Fourth: Fourth
- Fifth: Fifth
- Neutral / Neutral: Neutral
- The clutch: the clutch
- Throttle: Throttle / Throttle
- Electronic ignition: Electric start
- The gasket: The seal (for example, the rocker cover seal)
- Alternator: Alternator
- The chain: The chain
- The oil: The oil
- Engine oil: Engine oil
- Chain oil: Chain oil
- Lubrication: Lubrication
- Lubricant: lubricant
- The brake: the brake
- Disc brake: Disc brake
- Brake Pads: Brake shoes / pads
- The wheels: The wheels
- Fork: fork (suspension fork)
- Damping: Suspension / Shock Absorber
- The handlebar: the handlebar
- Naphtha: gasoline (gas)
- The tank: the tank
- The foot: the support (literally the foot)
- The frame: The frame
- The seat: The seat / saddle
- Saddlebags: saddlebags
- The fenders: the fenders
- Exhaust pipe: Exhaust / Tail pipe (literally exhaust pipe)
- The mirrors: The mirrors
- The warranty: Warranty / Guarantee
- Fix: to fix
- Walking: To ride (in Uruguay / Argentina)
- Manajar: To drive (also used with motorcycles by some people)
- Ride: ride (in other countries, literally ride)
This list is not designed to be exhaustive, but it may come in handy if someone is dealing with particular mechanics, most of whom I have met do not speak English, but with some perseverance it is perfectly possible to get your message understood, never underestimate the the power of sound effects and charades in the absence of the right words.