Spanish Conversation · Level 62
76 words
Spanish word
funicular
Pronunciation
IPA/funikuˈlaɾ/
Meaning
- masculine nounfunicular
Example
Tomamos el funicular para subir la colina.
We took the funicular up the hill.
More examples
El funicular ofrece buenas vistas de la ciudad.
The funicular offers good views of the city.
Core concept
Cable-driven car that runs up and down a steep track, often counterbalanced by a descending car.
Common phrases
tomar el funicular
take the funicular
subir en el funicular
go up on the funicular
Similar words
ascensor: Vertical lift in an enclosed shaft that transports passengers between floors or station levels.
teleférico: Gondola-style cabins hung from overhead wires that transport people through the air.
tranvía: Street-running light rail vehicle used for short-distance urban trips with close stops.
Definition in Spanish
Tren o coche especial que salva pendientes pronunciadas desplazándose por una vía inclinada gracias a un cable que lo arrastra o equilibra.
Word origin
It comes from Latin funiculus 'small rope', entering Spanish through European engineering vocabulary to name a steep-track railway moved and balanced by a cable.
Usage tips
- Spanish commonly uses the definite article and the word as the name of a specific service or line (el funicular de X), so speakers often refer to the route or station rather than to a generic vehicle.
Other meanings
- hill railwaynoun
Opposites
- escalerastairsnoun