rifle
/ˈrifle/masculine
The English phrase 'rifle' can be translated into Spanish as rifle. Wiktionary also lists fusil and arma larga.
Meaning: firearm with a rifled barrel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rifle | /ˈrifle/ | masculine |
| fusil | /fuˈsil/ | masculine |
| arma larga | /aɾma laɾɡa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The word refers to a firearm characterized by a rifled barrel.
Which one should you use?
While rifle is the standard term, fusil is used in formal contexts. For a broader technical or legal category that includes any long-barreled firearm like a shotgun, you may use the feminine term arma larga.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, the term carabina can be used instead of fusil or rifle to refer specifically to a smaller, light-caliber rifle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms fusil and rifle are masculine nouns, while arma larga is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrifle/
Did you know?
- Although arma is a feminine noun, it is used with the masculine article el in the singular when it starts with a stressed 'a' sound to avoid phonetic clash.
- The English word 'rifle' and the Spanish word rifle both trace back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning to 'steal' or 'rob', through the concept of 'rifling' through something.
- In several Latin American countries, the term fusil is associated with the historical revolutionary movements and guerrilla warfare of the 20th century.
Examples in context
- Tom disparó su rifle.Tom fired his rifle.This sentence shows the use of rifle as a direct object.Tatoeba #2516704 by marcelostockle, translation #1868329 by CK
- Le disparó con un rifle.She shot him with a rifle.This sentence demonstrates using rifle to describe the instrument used to shoot.Tatoeba #1507427 by marcelostockle, translation #887384 by CK
- Siempre anda con un rifle.He always walks with a rifle.This sentence shows the use of rifle to describe something a person carries.Tatoeba #1332249 by Shishir, translation #289083 by CK
- Soldados entrenados con fusiles son cruciales en la defensa del país.Soldiers trained with rifles are crucial in the defense of the country.
- Ese rifle es perfecto para la caza.That rifle is perfect for hunting.
- Mi padre me enseñó a disparar con una carabina de aire comprimido.My father taught me to shoot with an air rifle.
- Compré un fusil nuevo para cazar en el bosque.I bought a new rifle for hunting in the forest.
- En mi época, usábamos carabinas para participar en competencias de tiro.In my time, we used rifles to participate in shooting competitions.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A hunter and a guide are preparing for a trip.
- María¿Dónde dejaste el rifle?Where did you leave the rifle?
- DanielEstá en el coche, María.It is in the car, María.
- MaríaCuidado con ese rifle nuevo.Be careful with that new rifle.
- DanielNo te preocupes, lo cuidaré.Don't worry, I will take care of it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rifle” translations and entries rifle, fusil, 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 arma, fusil, rifle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
