despegue
“despegue” means “takeoff” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
takeoff
Also: departure
📝 In Action
El avión está listo para el despegue.
A1The plane is ready for takeoff.
Hubo un retraso en el despegue debido a la lluvia.
A2There was a delay in the takeoff due to the rain.
launch
Also: surge, breakthrough
📝 In Action
El despegue económico del país fue impresionante.
B2The country's economic surge was impressive.
Esta canción supuso el despegue de su carrera musical.
B2This song marked the launch of her musical career.
may take off
Also: may unstick
📝 In Action
Espero que el avión despegue pronto.
B1I hope the plane takes off soon.
No quiero que se despegue la etiqueta.
B1I don't want the label to come off (unstick).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "despegue" in Spanish:
breakthrough→departure→launch→may unstick→surge→takeoff→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: despegue
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the antonym (opposite) of 'el despegue'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'des-' (meaning 'undo') and the verb 'pegar' (meaning 'to stick'). It literally describes the act of unsticking oneself from the ground.
First recorded: 19th century (aviation usage followed later)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'despegue' only apply to planes?
While most common in aviation, it's also used for rockets, helicopters, and figuratively for businesses or careers that are suddenly becoming successful.
Why is there a 'u' in 'despegue' but not in 'despegar'?
In Spanish, a 'g' followed by an 'e' or 'i' sounds like an 'h' (like in 'Geronimo'). To keep the hard 'g' sound from the original verb 'despegar,' we must add a silent 'u' helper.