Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| marino | /maˈɾino/ |
| marítimo | /maˈɾitimo/ |
Both marino and marítimo are used to mean 'of or pertaining to the sea'. However, they are used in different contexts. Use marino when referring to biological or natural aspects of the sea, such as sea life or marine biology. If you are referring to sea commerce, navigation or maritime law, the term marítimo is more appropriate.
Which one should you use?
marino refers to things of the sea such as biology or animals, whereas marítimo is typically used for things related to sea commerce, navigation or law.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, marino must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use marina for feminine singular nouns, marinos for masculine plural nouns and marinas for feminine plural nouns. In professional titles, such as 'marine biologist' (biólogo marino), the adjective follows the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈɾino/
Did you know?
- The word marino also refers to a member of the 'Marine Corps' or a sailor, meaning a single word can describe both a sea creature and a soldier.
- The Spanish word mar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'mere', which used to refer to a lake or a body of water.
- The term marina refers not only to things of the sea but also to a specific genre of painting that depicts seascapes.
Examples in context
- El bogavante es un crustáceo marino.The lobster is a marine crustacean.This sentence shows the use of marino to describe a marine crustacean.Tatoeba #11729378 by Seael, translation #13271083 by frpzzd
- Tom está estudiando para ser un biólogo marino.Tom is studying to become a marine biologist.This sentence demonstrates how marino follows the noun in the professional title 'marine biologist'.Tatoeba #5617265 by cueyayotl, translation #3419949 by CK
- Las langostas pertenecen a una clase de animales marinos.Lobsters belong to a class of marine animals.This sentence uses marinos to describe marine animals.Tatoeba #1128060 by marcelostockle, translation #29329 by trieuho
- Ella es una bióloga marina.She is a marine biologist.
- Las reservas marinas son de vital importancia para la conservación del medio ambiente.Marine reserves are of vital importance for environmental conservation.
- Mi abuelo fue marinero durante varios años.My grandfather was a sailor for several years.
- ¿Has visto alguna vez un barco pirata? ¡Quiero ser una marinera!Have you ever seen a pirate ship? I want to be a sailor!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are looking at a book in a library.
- Elena¿Te gusta este ecosistema marino?Do you like this marine ecosystem?
- DanielSí, es un mundo fascinante.Yes, it is a fascinating world.
- ElenaDaniel, mira este pez de color azul.Daniel, look at this blue fish.
- DanielEs increíble, Elena.It is incredible, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “marine” translations and entries marino, marítimo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries marino, marítimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
