remar
/reˈmaɾ/
To paddle in Spanish is remar. Wiktionary also lists bogar and ciar.
Meaning: to propel something through water with a paddle, hands or similar instrument (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| remar | /reˈmaɾ/ |
| bogar | /boˈɡaɾ/ |
| ciar | /ˈθjaɾ/ /ˈsjaɾ/ |
| paletear | /paleteaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The verb refers to the action of propelling something through water using a paddle, hands or a similar instrument. You can use the related noun remo to refer to the physical oar used for rowing, or pala to refer to the blade of an oar or a paddle used in kayaking.
Which one should you use?
remar is the most common and general verb used for rowing or paddling. bogar is a synonym that carries a more literary tone. ciar and paletear are also forms of the verb.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈmaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word bogar shares a root with the modern French word vogue, which transitioned from meaning a 'wave' to describing a 'course of success' or current fashion.
Examples in context
- Un hijo que no aprenda a remar su propia canoa, no merece heredar la fortuna de su padre.A son who could not learn to paddle his own canoe does not deserve to inherit his father's fortune.This sentence uses remar in a metaphorical context regarding self-sufficiency.Tatoeba #957097 by hayastan, translation #264881 by papabear
- María necesita un remo para su bote.María needs a paddle for her boat.
- Prefiero ser el remero del bote.I prefer being the paddler of the boat.
- Nos gusta remar por el lago.We like to paddle across the lake.
- Es difícil remar con mucha corriente.It is difficult to paddle against a strong current.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in a canoe on a river.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿puedes remar más rápido?Alejandro, can you paddle faster?
- AlejandroSí, pero estoy muy cansado.Yes, but I am very tired.
- SofíaSi dejamos de remar, nos iremos río abajo.If we stop paddling, we will go downstream.
- AlejandroEstá bien, voy a remar con más fuerza.Alright, I'm going to paddle with more strength.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paddle” translations and entries remar, bogar, ciar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bogar, ciar, remar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
