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brújula

BROO-hoo-lah/ˈbruxula/

“brújula” means “compass” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

compass

Also: magnetic compass
NounfA2
A classic round metallic compass with a red and white needle pointing north.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos una brújula para caminar por la montaña.

A1

We need a compass to hike through the mountain.

La aguja de la brújula siempre señala hacia el norte.

A2

The compass needle always points toward the north.

Antes del GPS, los marineros dependían totalmente de la brújula.

B1

Before GPS, sailors relied entirely on the compass.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • compás náutico (mariner's compass)

Common Collocations

  • orientarse con la brújula – to find one's way using a compass
  • mirar la brújula – to check the compass
  • aguja de la brújula – compass needle

guide, moral compass

Also: sense of direction
NounfB2
A bright yellow star shining in the dark night sky above a simple mountain silhouette.

📝 In Action

Sus valores son la brújula que guía sus decisiones.

B2

His values are the compass that guides his decisions.

En momentos de crisis, mi madre es mi brújula.

B2

In moments of crisis, my mother is my guide.

La empresa perdió la brújula y no sabe cómo atraer clientes.

C1

The company lost its way and doesn't know how to attract customers.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • guía (guide)
  • norte (north/goal)
  • orientación (orientation/direction)

Antonyms

  • desorientación (confusion/disorientation)

Common Collocations

  • brújula moral – moral compass
  • perder la brújula – to lose one's way/sense of direction

Idioms & Expressions

  • perder la brújula – To become confused, lose one's sense of purpose, or lose control of a situation.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "brújula" in Spanish:

magnetic compass→moral compass→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: brújula

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the most likely reason to use a 'brújula'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
brujulear(to check the compass frequently / to peer or snoop) — Verb
embrujar(to bewitch (note: related to 'bruja', not 'brújula')) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
esdrújula
📚 Etymology▼

From the Italian word 'bussola', meaning 'small box' (made of boxwood), which was used to hold the magnetic needle.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: bussolaPortuguese: bússola

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'brújula' the same as 'compás'?

In everyday Spanish, no. 'Brújula' is for navigation. 'Compás' is the V-shaped tool used for drawing circles. However, in professional sailing, 'compás' is sometimes used for the ship's compass.

How do I remember the difference between 'brújula' and 'bruja'?

Think of the 'L' in brújula: the 'L' is like a needle on a compass pointing up! 'Bruja' (witch) is shorter.

Can I use 'brújula' for a GPS?

Not exactly. A GPS is usually called 'el GPS' or 'el navegador'. However, the specific screen within the GPS that shows the cardinal points is the 'brújula'.