Inklingo

marinero

mah-ree-NEH-rohmaɾiˈneɾo

marinero means sailor in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sailor

Also: seaman, mariner
NounmA2
A cartoon illustration of a smiling sailor wearing a white cap and blue uniform, holding a coiled piece of rope over his shoulder.

📝 In Action

El viejo marinero contó historias increíbles sobre el océano.

A2

The old sailor told incredible stories about the ocean.

Todos los marineros estaban listos para zarpar al amanecer.

B1

All the sailors were ready to set sail at dawn.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • marinero de agua dulcefreshwater sailor (someone inexperienced)
  • marinero mercantemerchant seaman

nautical

Also: maritime, seafaring
A simple wooden ship's steering wheel, also known as a helm, centered on a blue background representing the ocean.

📝 In Action

El estilo marinero, con rayas azules y blancas, está de moda.

B1

The nautical style, with blue and white stripes, is in fashion.

Necesitamos un buen nudo marinero para asegurar la vela.

B2

We need a good sailor's knot (nautical knot) to secure the sail.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • estilo marineronautical style (clothing/decor)
  • vida marineraseafaring life

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "marinero" in Spanish:

marinermaritimenauticalsailorseafaringseaman

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: marinero

Question 1 of 2

¿Cuál es el significado de 'estilo marinero'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
mar(sea)Noun
marinera(female sailor / nautical (feminine))Noun / Adjective
marino(marine / naval)Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
obrerocandelero
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Spanish word 'mar' (sea) combined with the common ending '-ero,' which usually indicates a profession or relationship. It literally means 'one who relates to the sea.'

First recorded: 13th century (in similar Romance forms)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: marinheiroItalian: marinaio

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'marinero' and 'marino'?

'Marinero' is usually the person—the sailor or seaman. 'Marino' is an adjective meaning 'marine' or 'naval' (like 'un oficial marino'—a naval officer). While very similar, 'marinero' is more commonly used for the regular crew or the nautical style.

Can 'marinero' be used figuratively?

Yes, occasionally. You might hear 'marinero de agua dulce' (freshwater sailor) to describe someone who is inexperienced or out of their element, especially if they are trying to act tough or knowledgeable, even though they lack real experience.