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teleférico means cable car — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 3, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

teleférico

noun • /[teh-leh-FEH-ree-koh]/

cable car

Example:

El teleférico ofrece una vista espectacular de la montaña.

The cable car offers a spectacular view of the mountain.

🧠 What does teleférico mean?

A teleférico refers to a type of aerial lift system that uses cabins, often called gondolas, suspended from a continuously moving cable. These systems are commonly used for transportation in mountainous regions, to cross difficult terrain, or as a tourist attraction offering scenic views. The term originates from a combination of 'tele-' (distant) and 'férrico' (ferrous, referring to the metal cable).

📚 Extra examples

  • Tomamos el teleférico para subir a la cima de la montaña y disfrutar de la vista panorámica.
    We took the cable car to go up to the top of the mountain and enjoy the panoramic view.
  • El teleférico cruza el río y conecta las dos orillas de la ciudad.
    The cable car crosses the river and connects the two banks of the city.
  • Los turistas suelen visitar el teleférico como una de las principales atracciones.
    Tourists usually visit the cable car as one of the main attractions.
  • La construcción de un nuevo teleférico mejorará el acceso a la estación de esquí.
    The construction of a new cable car will improve access to the ski resort.

💡 Did You Know?

Some of the world's longest teleféricos are found in regions like the Andes, offering breathtaking views and essential transport across vast distances and steep inclines.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "teleférico"

Synonyms: funicular aéreo, góndola

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cable car' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'cable car' is teleférico.
How do you pronounce 'teleférico' in Spanish?
Teleférico is pronounced teh-leh-FEH-ree-koh. The stress is on the second 'e'.
How do you use 'teleférico' in a sentence?
You can use 'teleférico' in a sentence by referring to the mode of transport, such as 'Vamos a subir al teleférico.' (We are going to take the cable car).
What is the English translation of 'teleférico'?
The English translation of 'teleférico' is cable car.
Does 'teleférico' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'teleférico' is a masculine noun and follows standard Spanish pluralization. For example, one cable car is 'un teleférico', and multiple cable cars are 'unos teleféricos'.
Is 'teleférico' common in everyday Spanish?
While not used in everyday conversation for most people, it is a common and well-understood term, especially in regions with mountainous terrain or tourist attractions that feature cable cars.
Does 'teleférico' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'teleférico' does not typically have slang or double meanings; it refers directly to the aerial transportation system.
Is 'teleférico' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'teleférico' is understood and used similarly throughout the Spanish-speaking world for aerial cable car systems. Regional variations might exist for specific types of lifts, but 'teleférico' is the general term.

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