rescate
/resˈkate/
The Spanish word for rescue is rescate.
rescate is used to describe the act of saving someone or something from danger or violence. In the specific context of kidnapping or crime, it is also the word used to mean ransom.
Meaning: to save from any danger or violence (verb)
Which one should you use?
The word rescate can function as a noun or a conjugated verb form. If you wish to use the infinitive form of the verb 'to rescue', you should use rescatar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and some Latin American countries, the phrase búsqueda y salvamento is used specifically to refer to search and rescue operations. In certain parts of Mexico, the words rescatar and salvar are used interchangeably to mean to rescue.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, rescate is a masculine noun meaning 'the rescue'.
How do you pronounce it?
/resˈkate/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, rescatar is used not only for saving people but also for recovering deleted files from a computer or retrieving a lost item from a store.
- The word rescatar shares a linguistic root with the English word 'rescue', both tracing back to the idea of 'buying back' or 'redeeming'.
- In some legal contexts, rescate can refer to the act of canceling a contract or 'rescuing' oneself from a legal obligation.
Examples in context
- Fuimos a su rescate.We went to his rescue.This sentence shows how to use rescate to express going to someone's rescue.Tatoeba #1235438 by marcelostockle, translation #249202 by CM
- El rescate vino demasiado tarde.The rescue came too late.This sentence uses rescate to refer to the arrival of a rescue.Tatoeba #9443531 by ignacio, translation #5907464 by OsoHombre
- Ellos vinieron de inmediato a nuestro rescate.They came to our rescue at once.This sentence shows how to use rescate when people come to someone's rescue immediately.Tatoeba #1283241 by marcelostockle, translation #307176 by CK
- El equipo de rescate llegó justo a tiempo para salvar al excursionista.The rescue team arrived in time to save the hiker.
- ¡Socorro! ¡Hay un incendio en el edificio!Help! There is a fire in the building!
- Nos lanzamos al agua y realizamos un salvamento para rescatar al perro.We jumped into the water and carried out a rescue to save the dog.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are watching a news report about a mountain climber.
- DanielEspero que el equipo de rescate llegue pronto.I hope the rescue team arrives soon.
- MaríaSí, el clima está muy peligroso ahora.Yes, the weather is very dangerous now.
- DanielMira, ¡ya iniciaron el rescate del hombre!Look, they already started the rescue of the man!
- MaríaQué alivio, Daniel. Por fin lo salvaron.What a relief, Daniel. They finally saved him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rescate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
