salvar vidas
/salbaɾ bidas/from spelling rules
The phrase "save lives" in Spanish is translated as salvar vidas.
This phrase is used to describe the act of preventing someone from dying, typically through medical care or emergency rescue.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb salvar (to save) and the noun vidas (lives).
Which one should you use?
While salvar vidas is the direct translation for the plural "save lives", Spanish speakers frequently use the singular form salvar la vida (to save the life) to express the same concept of saving someone from death.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the past tense 'saved lives', use the preterite form salvó vidas (for he/she/it) or salvaron vidas (for they).
Did you know?
- While salvar means to save, the Spanish word for 'savings' in a bank account is ahorros, which comes from a different root meaning 'to avoid' or 'to economize'.
- The verb salvar is used in Spanish to describe both saving a life and saving a computer file, making it a versatile word for rescue and digital storage.
- In some Latin American countries, the term salvavidas (written as one word) refers specifically to a 'lifebuoy' or a 'lifesaver' device, rather than a person who saves lives.
Examples in context
- Su trabajo es salvar vidas.His job is to save lives.This sentence demonstrates the use of salvar vidas to describe a profession.Tatoeba #3072492 by hayastan, translation #12990106 by araneo
- Nuestra misión es salvar vidas en situaciones de emergencia.Our mission is to save lives in emergency situations.
- El gobierno anunció un nuevo programa para salvar vidas en el sector de la salud.The government announced a new program to save lives in the healthcare sector.
- No hay mayor satisfacción que ser parte de un equipo que salva vidas diariamente.There is no greater satisfaction than being part of a team that saves lives every day.
- Los bomberos ayudan a salvar vidas.Firefighters help to save lives.
- Nuevas medicinas pueden salvar vidas.New medicines can save lives.
Example conversation
Two medical students are talking about their career goals.
- MaríaEstudio medicina porque quiero salvar vidas.I study medicine because I want to save lives.
- DanielEs una meta muy noble, María.It is a very noble goal, María.
- María¿Y tú, Daniel? ¿Cuál es tu propósito?And you, Daniel? What is your purpose?
- DanielYo también quiero salvar vidas en el hospital.I also want to save lives in the hospital.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
