saltar
/salˈtaɾ/
To leap in Spanish is to saltar. Wiktionary also lists brincar.
Meaning: to jump (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| saltar | /salˈtaɾ/ |
| brincar | /bɾinˈkaɾ/ |
The primary way to express the action of leaping or jumping is through the verb saltar. Related words include the noun salto to describe the act of a leap or a jump, and the adjective bisiesto to describe something that is intercalary.
Which one should you use?
While saltar is the standard, neutral verb for jumping or leaping, brincar is another form available. The noun salto is the neutral form of saltar used for the act of a jump, whereas brinco is the informal noun form of brincar used for a single small hop or a playful jump.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
saltar is an -ar verb, which follows the most common conjugation pattern in Spanish. The word salto is the noun form derived from saltar to describe the act of the leap.
How do you pronounce it?
/salˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if a circuit breaker trips, it is said to saltar, as if the switch physically leaped into a new position.
- The verb saltar is used to describe the act of skipping a page in a book or skipping a turn in a game.
- The word brincar was borrowed from Portuguese, where it is related to the word for 'play'.
Examples in context
- Mira antes de saltar.Look before you leap.This sentence uses saltar to show the importance of looking before jumping.Tatoeba #5153305 by albrusgher, translation #272230 by CK
- Piensa antes de saltar.Think before you leap.This sentence uses saltar to show the importance of thinking before jumping.Tatoeba #5153307 by albrusgher, translation #3823118 by CK
- Él dio un gran salto para atrapar la pelota.He took a big leap to catch the ball.
- ¡Vamos, salta más alto!Come on, leap higher!
- Mi hijo echa un salto de alegría cada vez que ve un payaso.My son jumps for joy every time he sees a clown.
- El gato intenta saltar la valla.The cat tries to jump the fence.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are at a park with a small stream.
- María¡Mira! Puedes saltar el río.Look! You can jump over the river.
- DanielTengo miedo de saltar ahora.I am afraid to jump now.
- MaríaNo es tan lejos, Daniel.It is not that far, Daniel.
- DanielEstá bien, voy a saltar.Okay, I am going to jump.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leap” translations and entries saltar, brincar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brincar, saltar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
