Clunker
Significado: An old, run-down car that barely works and makes lots of noise.
A clunker is a car held together by prayers and duct tape. The term was popularized by the 2009 'Cash for Clunkers' government program that paid people to trade in old gas-guzzling cars for new, fuel-efficient ones. It can also describe anything old and poorly functioning.
Ejemplos
- My first car was a total clunker, but I loved it. 我的第一辆车完全是个破烂货,但我很喜欢它。Mi primer coche era un trasto total, pero me encantaba.最初の車は完全なポンコツだったけど、大好きだった。내 첫 차는 완전 고물이었지만, 정말 좋아했어.
- We traded in the old clunker for a new SUV. 我们把那辆老破车折价换了一辆新SUV。Vendimos el viejo cacharro y compramos un SUV nuevo.古いポンコツを下取りに出して、新しいSUVを買った。낡은 고물차를 보상 판매하고 새 SUV를 샀어.
- That washing machine is a real clunker — it shakes the whole house. 那台洗衣机真是个破烂货——一运转整栋房子都在抖。Esa lavadora es un auténtico trasto: hace temblar toda la casa.あの洗濯機は本当にポンコツだ——家全体が揺れる。저 세탁기는 진짜 고물이야 — 집 전체가 흔들려.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: cars, old things, nostalgia
Tono: affectionate or dismissive
✓ Correcto
- That old clunker finally gave up the ghost.那辆老破车终于彻底报废了。Ese viejo cacharro por fin estiró la pata.あのポンコツ車、ついに動かなくなった。그 낡은 고물차가 드디어 수명을 다했어.
- I drove a clunker all through college.整个大学期间我都开一辆破车。Conduje un trasto durante toda la universidad.大学時代はずっとポンコツ車に乗ってた。대학 내내 고물차를 몰았어.
✗ Incorrecto
- Don't call someone's car a clunker to their face unless they use the word first别当面说别人的车是破烂货,除非对方自己先用了这个词No llames al coche de alguien un cacharro a la cara, a menos que esa persona use la palabra primero相手の車を面と向かってclunkerと呼ばないこと——本人が先にその言葉を使わない限り상대방이 먼저 그 단어를 쓰지 않는 한 면전에서 차를 고물차라고 부르지 말 것
Origen e historia
American English from the 1940s, imitating the 'clunk' sound that old, poorly maintained machinery makes. Gained wide recognition through the 2009 'Cash for Clunkers' (CARS Act) program.
Contexto cultural
Era: 1940s onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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