remolcador
/remolkaˈdoɾ/
The English phrase 'tug boat' is translated into Spanish as remolcador.
A remolcador is a powerful small boat used for towing or pushing larger ships in harbors.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb remolcar, which means 'to tow'.
Which one should you use?
While remolcador is the standard term, you can use barco remolcador for another formal way to refer to the vessel. If you need to specify that the boat is used specifically in a harbor, use the phrase remolcador de puerto. For an endearing or informal way to refer to a small tug boat, use remolcadorcito.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word can be used in its feminine form, remolcadora, to match a feminine noun or to refer to a specific female-gendered vessel.
How do you pronounce it?
/remolkaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish maritime culture, the act of remolcar can be used metaphorically to describe a person who carries the burden of a group or helps others succeed.
- Spanish uses the word remolque for both a boat's tow and a car's trailer, linking harbor work and road travel through a single term.
- The suffix -ador in remolcador comes from the Latin -tor, which is the same root found in English words like 'actor' and 'creator'.
Examples in context
- El remolcador ayudó al barco a atracar en el puerto.The tug boat helped the ship dock in the port.
- El remolcador ayuda al gran barco.The tug boat helps the large ship.
- Vimos un remolcador en el puerto.We saw a tug boat in the harbor.
- Necesitamos un remolcador para esta maniobra.We need a tug boat for this maneuver.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are watching ships from the harbor pier.
- Sofía¿Viste ese remolcador rojo?Did you see that red tug boat?
- DanielSí, es muy potente.Yes, it is very powerful.
- SofíaEstá empujando un carguero enorme.It is pushing a huge freighter.
- DanielEl trabajo del remolcador es difícil.The tug boat's work is difficult.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry remolcador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries remolcador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
