aerolínea
/aeɾoˈlinea/feminine
The English word 'airline' is translated into Spanish as aerolínea. Wiktionary also lists compañía aérea.
Meaning: company that flies airplanes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| aerolínea | /aeɾoˈlinea/ | feminine |
| compañía aérea | /kompaˌɲia aˈeɾea/ | feminine |
Both aerolínea and compañía aérea refer to a company that operates airplanes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word aerolínea is a construction where the prefix aero- refers to air and -línea means line.
Which one should you use?
While aerolínea is the standard term, compañía aérea is a more formal synonym often used in official or legal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
aerolínea is a feminine noun, so it must be used with feminine articles such as la or una. The plural form of aerolínea is aerolíneas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aeɾoˈlinea/
Did you know?
- The word compañía shares a root with 'companion', originating from the Latin words for 'bread' and 'together', describing people who share a meal.
- In Spain, the national aerolínea was historically called Iberia, a name chosen to evoke the ancient Roman name for the entire peninsula.
- The word línea in aerolínea refers to the fixed route or 'line' of travel, a concept carried over from 19th-century shipping and rail lines.
Examples in context
- La aerolínea ofreció alojamiento gratuito a los pasajeros atrapados como un gesto de buena voluntad.The airline provided free accommodation to stranded passengers as a goodwill gesture.This sentence shows how an aerolínea might provide compensation to passengers.Tatoeba #5034477 by albrusgher, translation #2951709 by patgfisher
- Voy a volar con la aerolínea más conocida del país.I am flying with the most well-known airline in the country.
- Hay varias aerolíneas que ofrecen vuelos directos a Madrid.There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Madrid.
- La aerolínea española es muy puntual.The Spanish airline is very punctual.
- El vuelo de esa aerolínea siempre es cómodo.The flight with that airline is always comfortable.
- En mi ciudad, todo el mundo conoce a esa compañía aérea.In my city, everyone knows that air company.
- Esa aerolínea tiene vuelos directos a Madrid.That airline has direct flights to Madrid.
- Busco una aerolínea que sea económica.I am looking for an airline that is inexpensive.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing travel plans at a cafe.
- María¿Ya elegiste la aerolínea para tu viaje?Have you already chosen the airline for your trip?
- JavierNo, todavía estoy comparando precios.No, I am still comparing prices.
- MaríaEsa aerolínea que prefieres es muy buena.That airline you prefer is very good.
- JavierEspero que tengan buenos horarios.I hope they have good schedules.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “airline” translations and entries aerolínea, compañía aérea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aerolínea, compañía, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
