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ancla

AHN-klah/ˈaŋkla/

anchor

Also: grappling hook
NounfA2
A heavy metal anchor resting on the sandy ocean floor with a thick rope attached.

📝 In Action

El marinero soltó el ancla para detener el barco.

A2

The sailor dropped the anchor to stop the boat.

El ancla está oxidada por el agua del mar.

B1

The anchor is rusty because of the sea water.

Necesitamos un ancla más pesada para esta corriente tan fuerte.

B2

We need a heavier anchor for such a strong current.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • áncora (anchor (poetic/old-fashioned))

Common Collocations

  • echar el ancla – to drop anchor
  • levar el ancla – to weigh anchor / to raise the anchor
  • estar al ancla – to be at anchor

anchor

Also: mainstay
NounfB2
A large, sturdy tree with deep roots providing shelter and support to a smaller sapling next to it.

📝 In Action

Mi familia ha sido mi ancla en estos momentos difíciles.

B2

My family has been my anchor during these difficult times.

Esta inversión será el ancla de nuestra jubilación.

C1

This investment will be the anchor of our retirement.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sostén (support)
  • apoyo (backing/support)

Antonyms

  • lastre (dead weight / burden)

Common Collocations

  • ancla emocional – emotional anchor

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ancla" in Spanish:

anchor→grappling hook→mainstay→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ancla

Question 1 of 3

Which is the correct way to say 'the anchor' in the singular?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
anclar(to anchor) — Verb
anclado(anchored) — Adjective
anclaje(anchoring / anchorage) — Noun
desanclar(to unanchor) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
chanclapancla
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'ancora', which came from the Greek 'ankyra', meaning 'hook' or 'bent'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: anchorFrench: ancreItalian: ancora

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ancla' masculine or feminine?

It is a feminine noun. It only uses 'el' in the singular to avoid the repetitive 'a' sound (la-ancla), but it remains feminine for everything else.

What is the difference between 'ancla' and 'anclar'?

'Ancla' is the object (the anchor), while 'anclar' is the action (to anchor/to fix in place).

Can 'ancla' refer to a news anchor in Spanish?

No. For a news anchor, Spanish usually uses 'presentador' or 'conductor'. 'Ancla' is strictly for nautical or stability contexts.