How to Say “Spyglass” in Spanish

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catalejo
/kataˈlexo/masculine
The English word "spyglass" is translated into Spanish as catalejo.
The term catalejo refers to a portable telescope.
Meaning: portable telescope (noun)

Which one should you use?

While telescopio refers to a general telescope (often used for astronomy), catalejo specifically refers to a handheld, portable spyglass often used for maritime observation.

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural form of catalejo is catalejos.

How do you pronounce it?

/kataˈlexo/

Did you know?

  • The root of catalejo connects to the Latin verb capiō, which means 'to seize' or 'to take'.
  • In Spanish maritime history, the catalejo was an essential tool for the vigía, the lookout stationed in the crow's nest of a ship.

Examples in context

  • En 1609, Galileo supo del catalejo, un instrumento que hacía que los objetos distantes se vieran más cerca. Galileo utilizó su conocimiento matemático y pericia técnica para mejorar el catalejo y construir un telescopio.
    In 1609, Galileo heard about the invention of the spyglass, a device which made distant objects appear closer. Galileo used his mathematical knowledge and technical skills to improve upon the spyglass and build a telescope.
    This sentence provides historical context regarding Galileo's use of the catalejo.
    Tatoeba #7841571 by Seael, translation #3958836 by Hybrid
  • ¡Mira a través de ese telescopio!
    Look through that spyglass!
  • El pirata usa un catalejo para ver el barco.
    The pirate uses a spyglass to see the ship.
  • ¿Dónde dejaste el catalejo de bronce?
    Where did you leave the bronze spyglass?

Example conversation

Lucía and Alejandro are looking at the ocean from a balcony.

  1. Lucía

    Alejandro, ¿puedes usar el catalejo para mirar el horizonte?
    Alejandro, can you use the spyglass to look at the horizon?
  2. Alejandro

    Sí, voy a buscar mi catalejo ahora mismo.
    Yes, I'm going to look for my spyglass right now.
  3. Lucía

    Espero que puedas ver algo en el mar.
    I hope you can see something in the sea.
  4. Alejandro

    Con este catalejo, todo se ve muy claro.
    With this spyglass, everything looks very clear.

Sources

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Sebastian Joseph
Sebastian JosephHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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