satélite
/saˈtelite/masculine
The Spanish word for satellite is satélite.
The word satélite refers to a man-made apparatus designed to be placed in orbit around a celestial body.
Meaning: man-made apparatus designed to be placed in orbit around a celestial body (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is preceded by the masculine article el to say el satélite (the satellite). To form the plural, add -s to the end: satélites.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈtelite/
Did you know?
- The word satélite follows the Latin root satellitem, which originally referred to an 'attendant' or 'bodyguard' who accompanied a person of high rank.
- In Spanish, satélite is used to describe a person who constantly accompanies or follows another, similar to the English word 'sidekick'.
- In a political context, un estado satélite refers to a country that is formally independent but under heavy political influence from a stronger nation.
Examples in context
- El satélite está ahora en órbita.The satellite is now in orbit.This sentence shows the use of satélite in the context of being in orbit.Tatoeba #1678167 by Shishir, translation #26114 by CK
- La Luna es el satélite de la Tierra.The moon is the Earth's satellite.This sentence illustrates satélite when referring to the Moon.Tatoeba #3466093 by hayastan, translation #238832 by timmartin
- La Luna es el único satélite de la Tierra.The moon is the earth's only satellite.This sentence demonstrates the use of satélite to describe the Moon as the only satellite of Earth.Tatoeba #1021799 by Shishir, translation #238831 by Eldad
- El satélite artificial orbita alrededor de la TierraThe artificial satellite orbits the Earth
- El satélite está transmitiendo señales de televisiónThe satellite is transmitting television signals
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are watching a news report about space technology.
- Elena¿Viste el nuevo satélite en las noticias?Did you see the new satellite on the news?
- JavierSí, es un satélite de comunicaciones impresionante.Yes, it is an impressive communications satellite.
- ElenaJavier, ¿crees que funcionará bien?Javier, do you think it will work well?
- JavierParece que tiene una tecnología muy avanzada.It seems to have very advanced technology.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “satellite” translations and entries satélite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries satélite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
