salvavidas
/ˌsalbaˈbidas/
The English phrase 'lifeline' can be translated into Spanish as salvavidas.
The term salvavidas can refer to a literal lifeline or a metaphorical concept of something that saves lives or offers essential support. Similarly, Línea de vida can refer to a literal line used for safety or rescue purposes or to metaphorical lifelines.
Meaning: means of salvation in a crisis (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term Línea de vida is a formal way to say 'lifeline'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsalbaˈbidas/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American countries, when referring to a metaphorical 'lifeline' or 'saving grace', people might use the expression un ángel de la guarda instead of the more technical salvavidas.
- In Spanish, salvavidas is used both for the person who performs the rescue and the physical flotation device, such as a ring buoy.
- While 'lifeline' in English can be a single word, the Spanish salvavidas is a compound of the verb 'salva' and the plural noun 'vidas'. This creates a grammatical oddity where a singular noun contains a plural component.
Examples in context
- La ayuda financiera brindada por organizaciones internacionales es un salvavidas para los países en desarrollo.The financial aid provided by international organizations serves as a lifeline for developing countries.
- Gracias por tu apoyo constante durante estos tiempos difíciles. Has sido mi salvavida.Thanks for your continuous support during these difficult times. You've been my lifeline.
- Ese préstamo fue un salvavidas para mi negocio.That loan was a lifeline for my business.
- Tu ayuda fue un salvavidas en ese momento crítico.Your help was a lifeline in that critical moment.
- La ayuda humanitaria es un salvavidas para la región.Humanitarian aid is a lifeline for the region.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a difficult financial period.
- AlejandroNo sé cómo pagaremos la renta este mes.I don't know how we will pay the rent this month.
- MaríaMi tío nos dará un préstamo, será nuestro salvavidas.My uncle will give us a loan, it will be our lifeline.
- AlejandroDe verdad eres un ángel, María.You really are an angel, María.
- MaríaLo importante es que superaremos esta crisis.The important thing is that we will get through this crisis.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salvavidas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salvavidas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
