nadar largos
/nadaɾ laɾɡos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, swimming laps is said as nadar largos.
This phrase describes the exercise of swimming from one end of a pool to the other and back repeatedly.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb nadar (to swim) and the noun largos (longs/lengths), literally meaning 'to swim lengths'.
Which one should you use?
hacer largos (to do lengths) is used interchangeably with nadar largos to describe the exercise.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of 'swimming laps' (the gerund form), use nadando largos.
How do you pronounce it?
/nadaɾ laɾɡos/
Did you know?
- If you want to describe the act of swimming very fast during your 'largos', you might use the expression nadar a toda máquina, which literally translates to 'swimming at full machine'.
- The Spanish verb nadar is a distant relative of the English word 'natant', which describes something floating or swimming in water.
- Unlike English, which uses the word 'lap' (originally referring to a circuit of a track), Spanish relies on largos to emphasize the linear geometry of the pool.
Examples in context
- Voy al gimnasio para nadar largos.I go to the gym to swim laps.
- Hoy quiero nadar largos en la piscina.Today I want to swim laps in the pool.
- Él suele nadar largos todas las mañanas.He usually swims laps every morning.
- Nadar largos es un ejercicio excelente.Swimming laps is an excellent exercise.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking at the local sports center.
- María¿Vas a nadar largos hoy, Mateo?Are you going to swim laps today, Mateo?
- MateoSí, voy a nadar largos para entrenar.Yes, I am going to swim laps to train.
- María¡Qué bien! Yo también voy a nadar largos.That's great! I am also going to swim laps.
- MateoPerfecto, nos vemos en el agua.Perfect, see you in the water.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nadar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
