traviesa (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Traviesa" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/traˈβjɛsa/

Translation Options into English

• Railway sleeper
• Crossbeam
• Timber (in the context of construction)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "traviesa" generally refers to a transverse beam, particularly in railway contexts where it denotes the wooden, concrete, or metal support on which the railroad ties (rails) rest. It can also refer to any support beam in various constructions.

• Frequency of Use: The term is used frequently in written contexts, particularly in technical documents related to railway construction and civil engineering.
• Context: More prevalent in formal and technical language than in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

1. Las travesas del tren están hechas de madera tratada para resistir el clima.

2. The railway sleepers are made of treated wood to withstand the weather.

3. El ingeniero diseñó un sistema de soporte que utiliza travesas de acero.

4. The engineer designed a support system that uses steel crossbeams.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Traviesa" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions in Spanish, but the term can be used metaphorically in informal contexts:

1. "Esa traviesa en la conversación me hizo reflexionar sobre lo que realmente importa."

2. That little dig in the conversation made me reflect on what really matters.

3. "A veces ser un poco traviesa puede ser ventajoso en los negocios."

4. Sometimes being a bit cunning can be advantageous in business.

Etymology

The word "traviesa" comes from the Spanish verb "travesar," which means "to cross." This etymology relates to its function as a cross-member supporting structures, indicating how elements cross each other (as in the railway ties).

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: soporte, viga, travesaño (depending on the context).
• Antonyms: carecer de soporte, vacío (implying absence of support or structure).

This provides a broad overview of the word "traviesa" within various contexts, including its specific applications in transport and construction.