natación
/nataˈθjon/feminine
Swimming in Spanish is translated as natación. Wiktionary also lists nadadura and nado.
Meaning: human activity of moving oneself through water (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| natación | /nataˈθjon/ /nataˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| nadadura | /nadaˈduɾa/ | feminine |
| nado | /ˈnado/ | masculine |
The word refers to the human activity of moving oneself through water. You can use the term Gafas de natación for swimming goggles, Traje de baño for swimsuit and Flotador for a float. While natación is the noun for the activity, the verb used to express the action of swimming is nadar.
Which one should you use?
Use natación when referring to swimming as a formal sport or a structured activity. Use nado to refer to the specific act or motion of swimming, such as in the phrase un nado sincronizado (synchronized swimming).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Latin America, chapuzón can be used to refer to taking a swim or a dip.
How do you pronounce it?
/nataˈθjon/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers use the phrase dar un chapuzón to mean taking a refreshing swim, which literally translates to 'giving a splash'.
- The verb nadar and the noun natación share a distant ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)neh₂-.
- Though natación is the standard term, describing someone's nadadura focuses specifically on the quality or manner of their swimming stroke.
Examples in context
- Te gusta la natación.You like swimming.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for natación.Tatoeba #4482685 by cueyayotl, translation #3442587 by AlanF_US
- Él tiene un récord en natación.He holds a record in swimming.This sentence is useful for discussing a record in natación.Tatoeba #863346 by inmachan, translation #300203 by CK
- Pertenezco al club de natación.I belong to the swimming club.This sentence is useful for mentioning membership in a natación club.Tatoeba #4951039 by DarkHollow, translation #258912 by CK
- La natación es un deporte muy saludable.Swimming is a very healthy sport.
- Vamos a nadar en la piscina.Let's go swimming in the pool.
- Hoy hace mucho calor. ¿Quieres ir a la playa a nadar?Today is very hot. Do you want to go to the beach to swim?
- Vamos a dar un chapuzón en el río.Let's take a swim in the river.
- Me encanta bañarme en el mar.I love swimming in the sea.
- Prefiero nadar a un ritmo lento y disfrutar del agua.I prefer swimming at a slow pace and enjoying the water.
- Es importante usar gafas de natación para proteger los ojos.It's important to use swimming goggles to protect your eyes.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing their exercise routines at a park.
- AlejandroLa natación es mi ejercicio favorito.Swimming is my favorite exercise.
- MaríaA mí también me encanta la natación.I love swimming too.
- Alejandro¿Vas a la piscina hoy para practicar natación?Are you going to the pool today to practice swimming?
- MaríaSí, iré esta tarde después del trabajo.Yes, I will go this afternoon after work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swimming” translations and entries natación, nadadura, nado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nadadura, nado, natación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
