How to Say "Compass" in Spanish

brújula

/ˈbɾuxula/feminine

The Spanish word for compass is brújula. Wiktionary also lists aguja de marear and aguja de bitácora.

Meaning: instrument to determine cardinal directions (noun)

Ways to say it

“compass” in Spanish
Spanish	IPA	Note
brújula	/ˈbɾuxula/	feminine
aguja de marear	/aɡuxa de maɾeaɾ/ (from spelling rules)	feminine
aguja de bitácora	/aɡuxa de bitakoɾa/ (from spelling rules)	feminine

The word brújula refers to the instrument used to determine cardinal directions. It is the most widely used term for a compass in Spanish.

While brújula is the general term for a compass, aguja de marear is a specialized term used specifically in maritime contexts.

brújula is a feminine noun, meaning it is used with feminine articles such as la and feminine adjectives.

/ˈbɾuxula/

The maritime term bitácora evolved from a linguistic mistake where the French word habitacle was misheard.
In Spanish, the needle of a compass is called an aguja, which is the exact same word used for a sewing needle.

No sé cómo ocupar esta brújula.
I don't know how to use this compass.
This sentence shows how to express not knowing how to use a brújula.
Tatoeba #2469196 by marcelostockle, translation #252155 by CK
Esta brújula te será útil en el viaje.
This compass will be useful on your trip.
This sentence demonstrates how a brújula can be useful during a trip.
Tatoeba #8017992 by Seael, translation #2488830 by sharptoothed
La aguja de la brújula apunta al norte.
Compass needles point to the north.
This sentence describes how the needle of a brújula points north.
Tatoeba #1629001 by leoruilova, translation #264383 by CK
¿Dónde está la brújula?
Where is the compass?
13 more sentences on Tatoeba

Elena and Mateo are hiking in the mountains.

Elena

Mateo, ¿tienes la brújula?
Mateo, do you have the compass?
Mateo

Sí, la tengo aquí mismo.
Yes, I have it right here.
Elena

Perfecto, guárdala bien en tu bolso.
Perfect, keep it safe in your bag.
Mateo

No te preocupes, Elena, la cuidaré.
Don't worry, Elena, I will take care of it.

Sources

Wiktionary, “compass” translations and entries brújula, aguja de marear, aguja de bitácora, 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 aguja, bitácora, brújula, de, marear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏