embalse
/emˈbalse/masculine
The English word reservoir is translated into Spanish as embalse. If unsure, use embalse. Wiktionary also lists pantano.
Meaning: large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| embalse | /emˈbalse/ | masculine |
| pantano | /panˈtano/ | masculine |
The term refers to a large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.
Which one should you use?
While embalse is the technical term for a water reservoir, the word pantano is frequently used in common speech to refer to the same thing, although its literal meaning is 'swamp' or 'marsh'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of embalse is embalses and the plural form of pantano is pantanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/emˈbalse/
Did you know?
- While embalse refers to the structure, Spanish speakers often use the word presa to refer to the reservoir, even though presa actually means 'dam'.
- The root of embalse is balsa, which in Spanish also means 'raft'.
- Spanish has a specific distinction between embalse for artificial lakes and lago for natural ones, though English often uses 'reservoir' for both if they provide water.
Examples in context
- El embalse está lleno de agua.The reservoir is full of water.This sentence shows how to describe the water level of an embalse.Tatoeba #4343646 by saverius, translation #10472119 by AlanF_US
- Los embalses están bajo mínimos.The reservoir levels are below the minimum.This sentence uses the plural form embalses to discuss water levels.Tatoeba #8231756 by arh, translation #10612121 by sangelo
- Hay un embalse cerca de donde vivo.There's a reservoir near where I live.This sentence is useful for stating the location of an embalse.Tatoeba #10218216 by manufrutos, translation #10215819 by sundown
- El embalse de Itaipú es uno de los más grandes del mundo.The Itaipu reservoir is one of the largest in the world.
- El almacenamiento de agua en el embalse ayuda a regular el suministro durante los períodos de sequía.Water storage in the reservoir helps regulate supply during drought periods.
- Vamos a pasear en lancha por el lago artificial.Let's go for a boat ride on the reservoir.
- El pantano de Valmayor es un lugar popular para practicar deportes acuáticos.The Valmayor reservoir is a popular spot for water sports.
- Debido a la falta de lluvia, la presa está casi vacía.Due to the lack of rain, the reservoir is nearly empty.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are hiking near a large body of water.
- JavierMira, ese embalse es enorme.Look, that reservoir is huge.
- MaríaSí, el agua está muy limpia.Yes, the water is very clean.
- JavierPodemos descansar junto al embalse.We can rest by the reservoir.
- MaríaEs una buena idea, Javier.That is a good idea, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reservoir” translations and entries embalse, pantano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries embalse, pantano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
