yate
/ˈʝate/
The Spanish word for "yacht" is yate.
A yate refers to a large, luxurious boat used for pleasure or racing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term lancha de recreo is commonly used to refer to smaller recreational boats.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝate/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'yacht' to describe a luxury vessel, the Spanish word yate traces its roots back to the Dutch word jacht, which literally translates to 'hunt'.
- While yate refers to the vessel, Spanish speakers use the verb yatear in some Caribbean regions to describe the act of spending the day cruising on such a boat.
- In Spanish pop culture and music, mentioning a yate is often used as a shorthand symbol for an unattainable lifestyle of extreme wealth and luxury.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué yate tan lujoso!What a luxurious yacht!
- El yate es muy grande.The yacht is very large.
- Ella compró un yate nuevo.She bought a new yacht.
- Vimos un yate blanco en el puerto.We saw a white yacht in the harbor.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are walking along a marina.
- Javier¿Viste aquel yate rojo?Did you see that red yacht?
- LucíaSí, es impresionante.Yes, it is impressive.
- JavierMe gustaría tener un yate así.I would like to have a yacht like that.
- LucíaEs un sueño muy caro, Javier.It is a very expensive dream, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry yate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries yate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
