bote
“bote” means “jar” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
jar, can
Also: container, tin
📝 In Action
Necesito un bote de miel para hacer el postre.
A1I need a jar of honey to make the dessert.
Tira ese bote de plástico a la basura.
A2Throw that plastic container in the trash.
small boat
Also: dinghy, rowboat
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que usar un bote pequeño para llegar a la isla.
B1We had to use a small boat to get to the island.
El pescador remaba en su bote al amanecer.
B2The fisherman rowed in his boat at dawn.
bounce
Also: rebound, jump
📝 In Action
El balón dio un bote muy alto y salió de la cancha.
B2The ball took a very high bounce and went off the court.
No puedes dejar que el bote de la pelota muera.
C1You can't let the bounce of the ball die.
jackpot
Also: prize fund, kitty
📝 In Action
El bote de la lotería de esta semana es de diez millones de euros.
B2This week's lottery jackpot is ten million euros.
Si nadie gana, el bote se acumula para el próximo sorteo.
C1If no one wins, the prize fund rolls over to the next drawing.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: bote
Question 1 of 2
If you are playing basketball and someone yells '¡Buen bote!', what meaning of 'bote' are they using?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'bote' has roots in the idea of a vessel or container. It comes from the Catalan word 'bot' (meaning 'barrel' or 'cask'), which itself traces back to ancient Germanic words for container. The meaning related to 'bounce' comes from the Spanish verb 'botar,' which is likely onomatopoeic (sounding like the action) or perhaps related to the same root, implying a sudden movement or expulsion.
First recorded: Medieval period (likely 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'bote' means 'jar' or 'boat'?
Context is key! If you are talking about the kitchen, food, or recycling, it means 'jar' or 'container' ('bote de galletas'). If you are at the beach or on a lake, it means 'small boat' ('bote de remos').
Is 'bote' related to 'botella' (bottle)?
Yes, they share the same root related to 'vessel' or 'container,' though 'bote' usually implies a wider, shorter container like a jar or can, and 'botella' is specifically for liquids.