naufragio
/nauˈfɾaxjo/masculine
The English word shipwreck is translated into Spanish as naufragio.
The noun naufragio is used to describe the event of a ship sinking or running aground. It can also refer to the physical wreckage left behind by such an event.
Meaning: event where a ship sinks or runs aground (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun naufragio has the plural form naufragios. To express the action of a ship sinking, use the related verb naufragar.
How do you pronounce it?
/nauˈfɾaxjo/
Did you know?
- Because it comes from the Latin word for 'ship', naufragio shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'nave', used to describe the central part of a church building shaped like a ship.
- In Spanish, you can use the verb naufragar metaphorically to describe a person's life or a business project that has completely failed or gone bankrupt.
- While 'shipwreck' describes the event in English, the Spanish náufrago specifically refers to the person who survives the event, meaning 'castaway'.
Examples in context
- Hubo un naufragio anoche.There was a shipwreck last night.This sentence is useful for describing the occurrence of a naufragio.Tatoeba #9189068 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #12845607 by mexicanhere
- El marinero teme un naufragio.The sailor fears a shipwreck.This sentence is useful for expressing fear regarding a naufragio.Tatoeba #9871320 by saverius, translation #10619107 by sangelo
- Los restos del naufragio aún yacen sobre la arena.The remains of the shipwreck still lie on the sand.This sentence is useful for describing the remains of a naufragio.Tatoeba #8701511 by arh, translation #12928120 by araneo
- un barco hundidoA sunken ship
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are visiting a maritime museum.
- JavierMira este mapa del antiguo naufragio.Look at this map of the old shipwreck.
- MaríaFue un accidente muy triste.It was a very sad accident.
- Javier¿Crees que encontraron el tesoro del naufragio?Do you think they found the shipwreck's treasure?
- MaríaNo, todavía está en el fondo del mar.No, it is still at the bottom of the sea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shipwreck” translations and entries naufragio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries naufragio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
