lanzadera
/lanθaˈdeɾa/feminine
The Spanish word for shuttle is lanzadera. Wiktionary also lists autobús de enlace and autobús enlazador.
Meaning: transport service (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lanzadera | /lanθaˈdeɾa/ /lansaˈdeɾa/ |
feminine |
| autobús de enlace | /autobus de enlaθe/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /autobus de enlase/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| autobús enlazador | /autobus enlaθadoɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /autobus enlasadoɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
The term lanzadera is used for any vehicle or service that operates in a shuttle-like manner, and it can also be used to refer to space shuttles.
What does it mean word for word?
The word lanzadera is derived from the verb lanzar, which means 'to throw' or 'to launch', implying a vehicle that is sent back and forth.
Which one should you use?
You can use autobús de enlace when you want to emphasize the function of the bus as a connection between two specific points or transport lines. Other masculine forms include autobús enlazador.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word colectivo can be used to describe a bus or shuttle service.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/lanθaˈdeɾa/
Did you know?
- Long before it referred to vehicles, the word lanzadera described the tool used in weaving to carry the thread back and forth across the loom.
- In some Spanish contexts, enlace refers not just to a shuttle bus but to a diplomatic or official liaison between two organizations.
- While lanzadera is common in Spain, users in Mexico or Colombia are more likely to use transporte or camioneta for a shuttle service.
Examples in context
- Deberías coger el autobús lanzadera.You should take the shuttle bus.This sentence uses lanzadera to suggest taking a shuttle bus.Tatoeba #1714642 by teskmon, translation #29663 by CK
- ¿Hay algún autobús lanzadera entre el hotel y el aeropuerto?Is there a shuttle bus between the hotel and airport?This sentence uses lanzadera to ask about the existence of a shuttle bus between a hotel and an airport.Tatoeba #857714 by greuze, translation #18222 by CM
- La lanzadera espacial despegó sin problemas.The space shuttle took off without any issues.
- ¿Hay una lanzadera que vaya al aeropuerto?Is there a shuttle that goes to the airport?
- Esta lanzadera lleva astronautas al espacio.This shuttle transports astronauts to space.
- La lanzadera sale cada veinte minutos.The shuttle leaves every twenty minutes.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a cruise terminal.
- SofíaMateo, ¿sabes dónde está la lanzadera?Mateo, do you know where the shuttle is?
- MateoSí, está justo delante de la salida.Yes, it is right in front of the exit.
- SofíaPerfecto, vamos a subir a la lanzadera ahora.Perfect, let's get on the shuttle now.
- MateoDe acuerdo, vamos rápido.All right, let's go quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shuttle” translations and entries lanzadera, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
