Spanish word

asfalto

Pronunciation

IPA/asˈfalto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounasphalt

Example

La calle tiene asfalto nuevo.

The street has new asphalt.

Illustration for asfalto (asphalt)

More examples

Después del frío, se notó una grieta en el asfalto.

After the cold, a crack in the asphalt was noticed.

Core concept

Thick black road-paving material.

Common phrases

  • parche en asfalto

    patch in the asphalt

  • grieta en asfalto

    crack in the asphalt

Similar words

pavimento: Hard surface layer that forms streets and roads.
acera: Paved strip beside a road used by pedestrians.
bache: Depressed spot or hole in a road surface caused by wear.

Definition in Spanish

Material negro y denso, natural o preparado, que se emplea para cubrir y pavimentar calles y carreteras.

Word origin

The word derives from Greek ἄσφαλτος through Latin asphaltum, originally referring to natural bitumen and later to the manufactured paving substance.

Usage tips

  • Spanish spelling uses f (asfalto) not ph as in English 'asphalt', and the noun is masculine: el asfalto.

Related words

  • asfaltadoasphaltedadjective
  • asfaltadorpaving contractornoun

Word lists with this word