vapor
/baˈpoɾ/masculine
The English word steam is translated into Spanish as vapor.
vapor is the standard noun used to refer to steam. In scientific or highly precise contexts, you may see the phrase vapor de agua used to specify water vapor. When referring to cooking methods, the phrase al vapor is used to mean 'steamed' or 'by steam', such as in cocinar al vapor (to cook by steam), cocer al vapor or vaporar.
Meaning: water vapor (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vapor is the standard word for steam, it also serves as the general term for any vapor or gas in a scientific or technical context.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
vapor is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈpoɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word vapor describes both the gaseous state of water and a steamboat. If you see vapor listed as a type of ship in a historical text, it refers to a steamship.
- While vapor refers to steam, the word vaho is used specifically for the mist created by breathing on a cold window or mirror. It describes the condensation rather than the heat.
- In a poetic context, a writer might use vapor to describe a thin, ghostly mist or a passing dream, moving far beyond its literal scientific definition.
Examples in context
- Una nube es vapor condensado.A cloud is condensed steam.This sentence is useful for describing a cloud using the form vapor.Tatoeba #1674207 by marcelostockle, translation #2929940 by mervert1
- Está saliendo vapor del motor.Steam is coming out of the engine.This sentence is useful for describing steam coming from an engine using the form vapor.Tatoeba #1690743 by marcelostockle, translation #1690481 by Spamster
- El tren de vapor se detuvo bruscamente.The steam train abruptly stopped.This sentence is useful for describing a steam train using the form vapor.Tatoeba #10098072 by Eremon, translation #5215072 by Zurich899
- El vapor de agua es invisibleWater vapor is invisible
- Me encanta cuando sale vaporcito del caféI love when little steam comes out of the coffee
- El agua caliente produce vapor.Hot water produces steam.
- El café recién hecho emanaba un delicioso vaho.The freshly brewed coffee gave off a delicious steam.
- ¡Mira cómo sale vaporcito de la taza!Look at how little steam is coming out of the cup!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are in a kitchen preparing breakfast.
- MaríaMateo, ten mucho cuidado con el vapor.Mateo, be very careful with the steam.
- MateoGracias, María, no lo había notado.Thanks, María, I hadn't noticed it.
- MaríaEl vapor de la olla es peligroso.The steam from the pot is dangerous.
- MateoTienes razón, tendré más precaución.You are right, I will be more careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steam” translations and entries vapor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
