cohete
“cohete” means “rocket” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
rocket
Also: missile
📝 In Action
El cohete tardó tres días en llegar a la órbita de Marte.
B1The rocket took three days to reach Mars' orbit.
La agencia espacial está diseñando un cohete más potente.
B2The space agency is designing a more powerful rocket.
firework
Also: cracker
📝 In Action
Los niños encendieron un cohete y salió volando con un silbido.
A2The kids lit a firework and it flew up with a whistle.
El espectáculo terminó con muchos cohetes de colores.
A2The show ended with many colorful fireworks.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cohete
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cohete' to mean a small, celebratory item?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word likely comes from the ancient Arabic word 'kuwáyt', which meant a small fortress or container. This meaning was adapted into Spanish to describe a container that holds gunpowder and is launched into the air.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cohete' only used for things that fly?
Yes, 'cohete' refers to anything that is propelled powerfully into the air, whether it's a massive vehicle going to space or a small firework exploding in the sky.
How do I know if someone means a firework or a space vehicle?
The context is almost always clear. If you hear words like 'NASA,' 'astronauta,' or 'órbita,' it's the space vehicle. If you hear 'fiesta' (party), 'Navidad' (Christmas), or 'ruido' (noise), it's the firework.