órbita
/ˈoɾbita/feminine
The English word orbit is translated into Spanish as órbita.
The noun órbita refers to the path of one object moving around another. To express the phrase 'in orbit', you should use the prepositional phrase en órbita.
Meaning: path of one object around another (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, órbita is the most common term used for orbit in both formal and informal speech.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun órbita is feminine, which means it requires feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoɾbita/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of órbita originally referred to the rut or track made by a wagon wheel in the ground.
- In Spanish, the phrase fuera de órbita can be used figuratively to describe someone who is out of touch or acting crazy.
- In a medical context in Spanish, doctors may refer to the 'órbita' to describe the bony structure surrounding the eye, rather than a celestial path.
Examples in context
- El satélite está ahora en órbita.The satellite is now in orbit.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 'en órbita' with the noun órbita.Tatoeba #1678167 by Shishir, translation #26114 by CK
- El satélite artificial fue puesto en órbita.The artificial satellite was launched into orbit.This sentence demonstrates the use of the noun órbita regarding a satellite.Tatoeba #1344570 by marcelostockle, translation #270353 by AlanF_US
- El cohete está en órbita alrededor de la Luna.The rocket is in orbit around the moon.This sentence shows the noun órbita being used to describe a rocket's position around the moon.Tatoeba #874068 by Rafp, translation #29381 by CM
- El satélite sigue una ruta alrededor del planeta.The satellite follows a route around the planet.
- El telescopio detectó un nuevo planeta en órbita alrededor de su estrella.The telescope detected a new planet orbiting around its star.
- El cometa Halley realiza una vuelta alrededor del Sol cada 76 años.Halley's comet orbits the Sun every 76 years.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing astronomy in a classroom.
- LucíaMira cómo la Tierra sigue su órbita.Look at how the Earth follows its orbit.
- AlejandroEs increíble que sea un camino tan perfecto.It's incredible that it is such a perfect path.
- LucíaLa órbita de Marte es más larga que la nuestra.Mars's orbit is longer than ours.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía, eso explica el año marciano.You're right, Lucía, that explains the Martian year.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orbit” translations and entries órbita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries órbita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
