Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| embarcación | /embaɾkaˈθjon/ /embaɾkaˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| barco | /ˈbaɾko/ | masculine |
| casco | /ˈkasko/ | masculine |
| bajel | /baˈxel/ | masculine |
In Spanish, several words can represent a vessel depending on the context. Embarcación is a general term that encompasses various types of vessels. For larger vessels like ships or large boats, the term buque is often used. If you are referring to any kind of vessel, including spacecraft or airships, you may use nave.
Which one should you use?
While embarcación is a formal or technical term for any type of watercraft, barco is the common word for a boat or ship. Additionally, do not use casco to mean the entire vessel, as it specifically refers to the hull of a craft.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Embarcación and buque are formal terms. For a literary or historical tone, specifically when describing sailing vessels, you can use the archaic term bajel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun embarcación becomes embarcaciones in its plural form. The masculine noun barco becomes barcos in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/embaɾkaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The word barco and its relative embarcación can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word βᾶρῐς and the Coptic word ⲃⲁⲁⲣⲉ, which were influenced by the Ancient Egyptian word bꜣjr.
- In Spanish, the word nave is used for both water vessels and spacecraft, reflecting the same linguistic root used for the 'nave' of a church.
- The word embarcar is used for boarding ships, planes, and even trains in some contexts, extending the nautical sense of 'embarking' to all forms of travel.
Examples in context
- El buque estaba atracado en el puerto.The vessel was docked at the port.
- La embarcación se adentró en el océano.The vessel ventured into the ocean.
- La nave espacial despegó hacia el espacio.The spacecraft took off into space.
- Vamos en barco alrededor de la isla.We're going by boat around the island.
- Los navíos estaban atracados en el puerto militar.The vessels were docked at the naval port.
- Compramos una lancha para surcar el río.We bought a dinghy to navigate the river.
- Alquilamos una barca para pescar en el lago.We rented a small boat to fish in the lake.
- Cuida tu cuerpo, es el vaso que alberga tu esencia.Take care of your body, it is the vessel that holds your essence.
- Esa embarcación es muy antigua.That craft is very old.
- La embarcación regresó al puerto.The vessel returned to the port.
- Vimos una embarcación en el horizonte.We saw a craft on the horizon.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are watching the sea from a balcony.
- Mateo¿Ves esa embarcación allá?Do you see that craft over there?
- MaríaSí, es una embarcación muy grande.Yes, it is a very large vessel.
- MateoParece que se acerca a la costa.It looks like it is approaching the coast.
- MaríaEspero que llegue pronto.I hope it arrives soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vessel” translations and entries embarcación, barco, casco, bajel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bajel, barco, casco, embarcación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
