Inklingo

escopeta

es-koh-PEH-tah/es.koˈpe.ta/

escopeta means shotgun in Spanish (A long-barreled firearm, typically used for hunting or security).

shotgun

Also: rifle
NounfB1
Mexico
A stylized illustration of a simple, long-barreled shotgun with a wooden stock.

📝 In Action

El cazador limpió la escopeta antes de ir al bosque.

B1

The hunter cleaned the shotgun before going to the forest.

La policía incautó una escopeta de repetición en el allanamiento.

B2

The police seized a pump-action shotgun in the raid.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • arma de fuego (firearm)
  • fusil (rifle)

Common Collocations

  • cargar una escopetato load a shotgun
  • escopeta de cazahunting shotgun

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar con la escopeta cargadato be very angry, ready to confront someone

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "escopeta" in Spanish:

rifleshotgun

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: escopeta

Question 1 of 2

Which English translation is the most accurate primary meaning for 'escopeta'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
escopetazo(shot (from a shotgun); sound of a shot)Noun
escopetero(gunner (historical term))Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Italian word *schioppetto*, which means 'little burst' or 'little explosion.' This word traveled into Spanish, evolving into 'escopeta,' referring to the weapon that makes the bursting sound.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: schioppetto

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'escopeta' the same as 'fusil'?

Not exactly. Both are long guns, but 'escopeta' usually means a shotgun (designed to shoot many small pellets), while 'fusil' specifically means a rifle (designed to shoot a single bullet with high precision), often used in a military context. 'Escopeta' is the broader term.

How do I remember the gender of 'escopeta'?

Since it ends in '-a,' it follows the typical pattern for feminine nouns in Spanish. Think of 'La escopeta' (The shotgun).