bote
/BOH-tay/
jar
In the context of food storage, bote can mean 'jar'.
bote(noun)
jar
?e.g., food storage, preserves
,can
?e.g., paint, coffee, soda
container
?general term for a small vessel
,tin
?small metal container
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'bote' is always masculine, so use 'el bote' or 'un bote'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Container Size
While 'bote' can mean 'can,' it often implies a smaller or medium-sized container, distinguishing it from 'lata' (a standard soda/food can) or 'caja' (box).
Another meaning of bote is 'small boat' or 'dinghy'.
bote(noun)
small boat
?e.g., fishing vessel, dinghy
dinghy
?inflatable or rigid small boat
,rowboat
?a boat moved by oars
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Size Comparison
'Bote' usually refers to a smaller vessel compared to 'barco' (ship) or 'buque' (large vessel).
When referring to the act of rebounding, bote means 'bounce'.
bote(noun)
bounce
?the act of rebounding
rebound
?sports context
,jump
?less common, usually referring to a quick spring
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Related Verb
This meaning comes directly from the verb 'botar', which means 'to bounce' or 'to throw away'.
In gambling or lotteries, bote refers to the 'jackpot' or accumulated prize.
bote(noun)
jackpot
?lottery or gambling prize
prize fund
?accumulated money for a winner
,kitty
?money collected for a shared purpose
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
This meaning extends the concept of 'bote' (container) to mean a metaphorical container holding money.
✏️ 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
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.