Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| salvar | /salˈbaɾ/ |
| rescatar | /reskaˈtaɾ/ |
| hacer un salvamento | /aθeɾ un salbamento/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aseɾ un salbamento/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| lograr un salvataje | /loɡɾaɾ un salbataxe/ (from spelling rules) |
The verb salvar is a general term used for saving or rescuing. It can be applied to physical rescues as well as abstract concepts, such as saving a reputation or saving a project. If you are referring to the act of salvaging or a rescue operation, specifically in maritime or technical contexts, use the noun salvamento. For the concept of anything that has been put to good use instead of being wasted, you can use the noun material recuperado.
Which one should you use?
While salvar is a general term for saving or rescuing, rescatar often implies a more active or physical rescue from a dangerous situation. If you wish to describe the act of performing a salvage, you can use the phrases hacer un salvamento or lograr un salvataje. For the noun form of a rescue operation, salvamento, rescate and salvataje are all used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/salˈbaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, salvataje can carry a negative connotation of 'opportunistic rescue' or taking advantage of a crisis for profit.
- The Spanish word lograr, used in the phrase lograr un salvataje, is etymologically connected to the Latin word 'lucrum', which is the root of the English word 'lucrative'.
- In a religious context, salvar is the standard word for saving a soul from sin, whereas rescatar is used for physical recovery.
Examples in context
- El equipo de bomberos logró rescatar algunas pertenencias de las llamas.The fire brigade managed to salvage some belongings from the flames.
- El mecánico intentará recuperar algunas piezas del automóvil accidentado.The mechanic will try to salvage some parts from the crashed car.
- Aunque no quedó perfecto, el carpintero logró arreglar la silla rota.Although it's not perfect, the carpenter managed to salvage the broken chair.
- El bombero logró salvar al gato.The firefighter managed to rescue the cat.
- Necesitamos salvar a los pasajeros del barco.We need to rescue the passengers from the boat.
- Ella quiere salvar a los animales de la selva.She wants to rescue the animals from the jungle.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are watching a news report about a flood.
- Elena¿Crees que pueden salvar a la gente?Do you think they can rescue the people?
- JavierSí, los equipos de rescate ya están allí.Yes, the rescue teams are already there.
- ElenaEspero que Javier pueda ayudar a su familia.I hope Javier can help his family.
- JavierÉl hará todo lo posible por salvarlos.He will do everything possible to rescue them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “salvage” translations and entries salvar, rescatar, 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 hacer, lograr, rescatar, salvamento, salvar, salvataje, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
