Inklingo

cañones

kah-NYOH-neskaˈɲo.nes

cañones means cannons in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

cannons

Also: guns, artillery pieces
NounmB1
A simple, colorful illustration of a large, antique black cannon resting on a grassy field, ready to fire.

📝 In Action

Los cañones antiguos del castillo todavía miran hacia el mar.

B1

The old cannons of the castle still face the sea.

El barco de guerra encendió sus cañones contra el enemigo.

B2

The warship fired its cannons against the enemy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • piezas de artillería (artillery pieces)

Common Collocations

  • disparar los cañonesto fire the cannons

canyons

Also: gorges
NounmB1
A sweeping view of a massive, deep canyon with steep, stratified red rock walls under a bright blue sky.

📝 In Action

Los cañones del río Colorado son impresionantes.

A2

The canyons of the Colorado River are stunning.

Haremos senderismo por los cañones más profundos de la sierra.

B1

We will hike through the deepest gorges in the mountain range.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • barrancos (ravines)
  • gargantas (gorges)

Common Collocations

  • cañones naturalesnatural canyons

shots

Also: spirit measures
NounmC1informal
Spain
Three small, clear shot glasses lined up on a wooden bar counter, each filled with a distinct clear or amber liquid.

📝 In Action

Nos tomamos unos cañones de ron después de cenar.

C1

We had a few shots of rum after dinner.

¿Pedimos dos cañones más antes de irnos?

C1

Shall we order two more shots before we go?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • chupitos (shots (general))

Common Collocations

  • pedir cañonesto order shots

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cañones" in Spanish:

artillery piecescannonscanyonsgorgesspirit measures

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cañones

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'cañones' is most likely being used in the sentence: 'El guía nos llevó a ver los cañones de agua caliente.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
cañón(cannon/canyon/pipe (singular))Noun
cañonazo(cannon blast/big shot)Noun
cañonear(to bombard)Verb
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'canna,' meaning 'reed' or 'tube.' This original meaning explains why 'cañones' can refer to anything long and hollow, whether it's a weapon, a deep valley carved by water, or even a pipe.

First recorded: 14th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: cannoneFrench: canon

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 'cañones' means 'canyons' or 'cannons'?

The context is key! If you are talking about nature, geography, or hiking, it means 'canyons.' If you are talking about war, history, or military ships, it means 'cannons.' They are pronounced and spelled exactly the same.

Is 'cañones' related to the word 'caño'?

Yes, both words share the same root meaning 'tube' or 'pipe.' 'Caño' often refers to a smaller pipe, drain, or faucet, while 'cañón' refers to a much larger, more significant tube (like a weapon barrel or a deep valley).