helicóptero
/eliˈkobteɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for helicopter is helicóptero.
The word refers to an aircraft.
Meaning: aircraft (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the variation helicótero is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is helicópteros.
How do you pronounce it?
/eliˈkobteɾo/
Did you know?
- In some regions, a helicopter is jokingly called a ventilador con motor meaning 'a fan with a motor'.
- In Spanish aviation terminology, the 'rotors' of a helicóptero are called palas, which is the same word used for 'shovels' or 'blades' of an oar.
- The word helicóptero is borrowed from the French word hélicoptère, rather than being derived directly from Greek into Spanish.
Examples in context
- Les rescató el helicóptero.They were rescued by helicopter.This sentence is useful for describing a rescue performed by a helicóptero.Tatoeba #2058531 by lazarus1907, translation #306016 by CK
- ¿Le pasa algo al helicóptero?Is something wrong with the helicopter?This sentence is useful for asking if there is a problem with a helicóptero.Tatoeba #7273255 by arh, translation #2063062 by CK
- Tom sabe pilotar helicópteros.Tom knows how to fly a helicopter.This sentence is useful for stating that someone can fly helicópteros.Tatoeba #1276043 by marcelostockle, translation #1024618 by CK
- Ayer vi un chopper volando sobre la ciudad.Yesterday, I saw a chopper flying over the city.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are watching the sky from a balcony.
- LucíaMira, allá viene un helicóptero.Look, a helicopter is coming over there.
- JavierEs un helicóptero muy grande.It is a very large helicopter.
- LucíaParece que es de la policía.It looks like it's from the police.
- JavierEl helicóptero vuela muy alto.The helicopter is flying very high.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “helicopter” translations and entries helicóptero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries helicóptero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
