pilotos
/pee-LOH-tohs/
pilots
The primary meaning of pilotos is 'pilots' (people who operate aircraft or ships).
pilotos(noun)
pilots
?aircraft or maritime
,drivers
?race cars or rally
test drivers
?testing vehicles
📝 In Action
Los pilotos de la aerolínea están en huelga.
A2The airline pilots are on strike.
Todos los pilotos de Fórmula 1 usan trajes especiales.
B1All Formula 1 drivers wear special suits.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Noun
This is the plural form of the masculine noun 'piloto.' It refers to multiple male pilots or a mixed group of male and female pilots.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "Using 'las pilotos' for a group of female pilots."
Correction: While 'pilota' exists, 'pilotos' is often used generically. For an exclusively female group, use 'las pilotos' or 'las pilotas' (depending on region/preference).
⭐ Usage Tips
Professional Usage
This word is generally reserved for those who professionally operate aircraft, ships, or high-performance vehicles, not everyday drivers.
The word pilotos can also refer to 'indicator lights' or turn signals on a vehicle.
pilotos(noun)
indicator lights
?turn signals on a vehicle
,headlights/taillights
?car lighting system
pilot lights
?small indicator light on a device
📝 In Action
Tienes que revisar los pilotos traseros del coche, no funcionan.
B1You have to check the car's taillights; they aren't working.
Los pilotos de la motocicleta son muy brillantes.
B2The motorcycle indicator lights are very bright.
💡 Grammar Points
Automotive Terminology
In this sense, 'pilotos' refers to the guiding lights. This usage is common in Spain and parts of Latin America when talking about car maintenance.
In some Spanish-speaking regions, pilotos translates to 'raincoats' or waterproof outerwear.
pilotos(noun)
raincoats
?outerwear for rain
,trench coats
?long, formal coats
macs
?British English for raincoats
📝 In Action
Necesitamos llevar los pilotos, va a llover mucho hoy.
B2We need to bring the raincoats; it’s going to rain a lot today.
Sus pilotos nuevos son de cuero y muy elegantes.
C1Their new trench coats are leather and very elegant.
⭐ Usage Tips
Be Careful in Spain
If you ask for 'pilotos' in Spain, people will likely think you mean airplane pilots or car lights, not raincoats. Use 'gabardina' or 'impermeable' instead.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pilotos
Question 1 of 2
If you are in Buenos Aires and hear someone say 'Olvide mis pilotos,' what did they forget?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pilotos' only used for male pilots?
No. 'Pilotos' (masculine plural) is the standard way to refer to a mixed group of male and female pilots, or simply multiple male pilots. For an all-female group, you might hear 'las pilotas,' but 'las pilotos' is also grammatically accepted and common.
How do I know if 'pilotos' refers to people or lights?
Context is key! If the surrounding words involve an airline, a race, or a ship, it means people (pilots/drivers). If the surrounding words involve cars, repairs, or electricity, it means indicator lights.