naves
“naves” means “ships” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
ships, vessels
Also: galleons
📝 In Action
Las naves antiguas cruzaban el océano en tres meses.
B1The ancient ships crossed the ocean in three months.
El capitán revisó todas las naves antes de zarpar.
A2The captain checked all the vessels before setting sail.
warehouses, industrial units
Also: sheds
📝 In Action
Necesitan alquilar naves más grandes para almacenar la producción.
B1They need to rent bigger warehouses to store the production.
El polígono industrial está lleno de naves nuevas.
B2The industrial park is full of new factory buildings.
spacecraft, starships
Also: spaceships
📝 In Action
Las naves espaciales aterrizaron en la Luna.
B1The spacecraft landed on the Moon.
El museo exhibe modelos de naves futuristas.
B2The museum exhibits models of futuristic starships.
naves, aisles
Also: halls
📝 In Action
Las naves laterales de la catedral gótica son muy altas.
C1The side naves of the Gothic cathedral are very tall.
El arquitecto diseñó tres naves para el nuevo centro de convenciones.
C2The architect designed three halls (naves) for the new convention center.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "naves" in Spanish:
aisles→galleons→halls→industrial units→naves→sheds→ships→spacecraft→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: naves
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'naves' in the context of an industrial building?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *navis*, meaning 'ship' or 'vessel.' This is why the word applies to both sea vessels and spaceships. The architectural and industrial meanings evolved because those structures were seen as large, hollow enclosures, similar to the hull of a ship.
First recorded: Around the 10th century (in Old Spanish as 'nau')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'naves' lo mismo que 'barcos'?
'Naves' y 'barcos' son similares. 'Naves' se refiere a barcos grandes, como buques de carga, de guerra o cruceros. 'Barcos' es un término más general que incluye cualquier embarcación, grande o pequeña.
Why does 'nave' mean both a ship and a warehouse?
This is because historically, the word referred to any large, vaulted, hollow structure. The shape and function (carrying or housing large volumes) link the hull of a ship, the central hall of a church, and a modern industrial building.