ancla
/ˈankla/feminine
The English word 'anchor' is translated into Spanish as ancla. If unsure, use ancla. Wiktionary also lists áncora and anclote.
Meaning: tool to moor a vessel into sea bottom (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ancla | /ˈankla/ | feminine |
| áncora | /ˈankoɾa/ | feminine |
| anclote | /anklote/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| rizón | /riθon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /rison/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| jierro | /xjero/ (from spelling rules) | Puerto Rico, masculine |
The primary meaning of the word refers to the tool used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom. To express the action of dropping anchor, use the idiomatic phrase echar el ancla. Related verbs to express holding an object to a fixed point include anclar, fondear and ancorar, while apoyar is used when referring to providing emotional stability.
Which one should you use?
Ancla is the standard term for a ship's anchor. In contrast, áncora is often used in a more poetic, literary or symbolic sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, fondeo is widely used to refer to the process of anchoring. In Puerto Rico, the masculine term jierro is used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈankla/
Did you know?
- Although ancla is a feminine noun, it is used with the masculine article el in the singular form el ancla to avoid a clash of 'a' sounds.
- The term anclote uses the suffix -ote, which in Spanish typically indicates that the object is unusually large.
- The word ancla and its literary double áncora both trace their roots back to the Ancient Greek word ᾰ̓́γκῡρᾰ.
Examples in context
- Cada barco necesita un ancla.Every ship needs an anchor.This sentence is useful for stating that every ship needs an ancla.Tatoeba #5137700 by albrusgher, translation #1349176 by Spamster
- Tom lanzó el ancla por la borda.Tom threw the anchor overboard.This sentence is useful for describing someone throwing the ancla overboard.Tatoeba #5137703 by albrusgher, translation #3446837 by CK
- El barco echó el ancla en el puerto.The ship dropped anchor in the harbor.This sentence is useful for saying a ship dropped the ancla in the harbor.Tatoeba #5137720 by albrusgher, translation #842911 by J_S
- El barco lanzó el ancla para detenerse en el puerto.The ship dropped anchor to stop at the port.
- El velero realizó el fondeo en aguas profundas.The sailboat anchored in deep waters.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is preparing their small boat for a trip.
- María¿Está lista la ancla, Mateo?Is the anchor ready, Mateo?
- MateoSí, la ancla está en su sitio.Yes, the anchor is in its place.
- MaríaPerfecto, entonces podemos salir.Perfect, then we can head out.
- Mateo¡Vamos, María, el mar está tranquilo!Let's go, María, the sea is calm!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anchor” translations and entries ancla, áncora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ancla, áncora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
