flotante
“flotante” means “floating” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
floating
Also: buoyant
📝 In Action
Vimos un muelle flotante en el lago.
A2We saw a floating dock in the lake.
Las partículas flotantes en el aire son polvo.
B1The floating particles in the air are dust.
Hay una plataforma flotante para los bañistas.
A2There is a floating platform for the swimmers.
floating
Also: variable, unsettled
📝 In Action
La ciudad tiene una gran población flotante en verano.
B2The city has a large floating population in summer.
El país utiliza un tipo de cambio flotante.
C1The country uses a floating exchange rate.
La deuda flotante del gobierno es preocupante.
C2The government's floating debt is worrying.
float
Also: ballcock
📝 In Action
Tengo que arreglar el flotante del inodoro.
B1I have to fix the toilet float.
El flotante del tanque de gasolina no marca bien.
B2The fuel tank float isn't measuring correctly.
El agua rebalsa porque el flotante está trabado.
B2The water is overflowing because the float is stuck.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: flotante
Question 1 of 3
Which of these describes a 'población flotante'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish verb 'flotar' (to float), which comes from the Old French 'floter'. Ultimately, it shares a common ancestor with the English word 'float'.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'flotante' the same as 'flotador'?
Not exactly. A 'flotador' is usually a life jacket or a pool ring you play with. 'Flotante' is usually an adjective (floating) or a mechanical part in a tank.
What is an 'isla flotante'?
While it can mean a literal floating island, it is most famous as a traditional dessert made of fluffy egg whites on top of a sweet cream sauce.
Can I use 'flotante' for a floating price?
Yes! In finance, you use 'tipo de cambio flotante' to describe a currency value that changes based on the market.