Spanish Conversation · Level 39
74 words
Spanish word
zapata
Pronunciation
IPA/θaˈpata/
Meaning
- feminine nounbrake shoe
Example
Tengo que cambiar la zapata del freno.
I have to change the brake shoe.
More examples
Al frenar, las zapatas pueden chirriar.
When braking, the brake shoes may squeal.
Core concept
Curved brake shoe with a friction lining that presses against a drum.
Common phrases
zapata del freno
brake shoe
cambiar la zapata
change the brake shoe
zapatas de repuesto
spare brake shoes
Similar words
pastilla: Flat friction pad that clamps onto a disc rotor in a disc brake to slow the wheel.
Definition in Spanish
Componente del freno de tambor cuya superficie de fricción, similar a la suela de un zapato, contacta el tambor para detener la rueda.
Word origin
From Spanish zapato "shoe", the term names the curved drum-brake part by metaphor because its friction surface resembles a shoe sole.
Usage tips
- In modern passenger cars drum brakes are less common and disc brakes use pastillas for pads, so parts lists and repair discussions often specify whether a zapata refers to a drum-brake component.