abordar
“abordar” means “to tackle” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to tackle, to address
Also: to approach
📝 In Action
Debemos abordar el problema del cambio climático pronto.
B1We must tackle the problem of climate change soon.
El profesor abordó el tema de la Revolución Francesa.
B1The professor addressed the topic of the French Revolution.
Es difícil abordar esta situación sin ayuda.
B2It is difficult to approach this situation without help.
to board, to get on
📝 In Action
Los pasajeros están listos para abordar el avión.
A2The passengers are ready to board the plane.
Abordamos el barco justo antes de la tormenta.
B1We boarded the ship just before the storm.
Por favor, diríjase a la puerta para abordar.
A2Please, head to the gate to board.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: abordar
Question 1 of 3
If you are in an airport and hear 'Listo para abordar', what should you do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'a-' (towards) and the noun 'borde' (edge/side). It originally described the action of a ship pulling up alongside another ship's edge to attack or board it.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'abordar' different from 'subir'?
Yes. 'Subir' just means to get on or go up. 'Abordar' is more specific to the official process of boarding a large vehicle like a plane or ship.
Can I use 'abordar' to mean 'to approach a person'?
Yes, it can mean approaching someone, often unexpectedly, to talk to them (e.g., 'A stranger approached me'). However, 'acercarse' is more common for simply walking toward someone.
Is 'abordar' formal?
When used to mean 'tackling a problem', it is considered professional and neutral. When used for boarding, it is standard language used in travel.