buzo
/ˈbuθo/
The Spanish word for diver is buzo.
A buzo refers to someone who works or swims underwater, such as a scuba diver. It is important not to confuse this with someone who performs dives from a board into a pool. For the latter, the term saltador is used.
Meaning: someone who works underwater (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term buzo is derived from the verb bucear (to dive or snorkel) and literally means one who dives or plunges.
Which one should you use?
While buzo is the standard term for an underwater worker or swimmer, submarinista can be used in more specialized contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is gendered: buzo is the masculine form and buza is the feminine form for a female diver. The plural form is buzos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbuθo/
Did you know?
- In Argentina, Uruguay and Peru, if you ask for a buzo, you will likely be handed a 'sweatshirt' or 'hoodie' instead of a professional diver.
- The word buzo is etymologically linked to the Portuguese word for a 'sea snail', búzio.
Examples in context
- El buzo quería probar los límites de su equipo.The diver wanted to test the limits of his equipment.This sentence shows how to use buzo when discussing testing equipment.Tatoeba #3842858 by leoruilova, translation #3842390 by Amastan
- Los buzos del equipo de rescate están altamente capacitados.The divers from the rescue team are highly trained
- Los submarinistas están investigando los arrecifes de coral.The divers are researching the coral reefs
- Mi hermano es un gran buzo y le encanta explorar los arrecifes.My brother is a great diver and he loves exploring reefs
- El buzo encontró un tesoro en el fondo del mar.The diver found a treasure at the bottom of the sea.
- Necesitamos un buzo para reparar la red.We need a diver to repair the net.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at photos of a vacation.
- Elena¿Quién es el hombre en esta foto?Who is the man in this photo?
- JavierÉl es un buzo que conocí en Cancún.He is a diver I met in Cancun.
- ElenaParece que tiene un equipo muy caro.It looks like he has very expensive equipment.
- JavierSí, es el mejor buzo del grupo.Yes, he is the best diver in the group.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry buzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
