📝 In Action
Vimos un helicóptero de rescate volando sobre las montañas.
A2We saw a rescue helicopter flying over the mountains.
El ruido del helicóptero es muy fuerte.
A1The sound of the helicopter is very loud.
Pilotar un helicóptero requiere mucha práctica.
B1Piloting a helicopter requires a lot of practice.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though it ends in '-o', this word is masculine. Remember to use the masculine articles: 'el helicóptero' (the helicopter) and 'un helicóptero' (a helicopter).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "La helicóptero"
Correction: El helicóptero. The word is masculine, even though it is a long, multi-syllable word.
⭐ Usage Tips
Easy Cognate
This word is a perfect cognate (a word that sounds similar and means the same thing) with the English word 'helicopter,' making it very easy to remember.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: helicóptero
Question 1 of 2
Which word is needed to complete the sentence: 'El _________ aterrizó en el techo del hospital.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'helicóptero' have a short, informal version in Spanish?
Yes, in some regions, you might hear the informal shortened version 'heli,' similar to how English speakers sometimes say 'chopper.' However, 'helicóptero' is by far the most common term.