pilotos
“pilotos” means “pilots” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
pilots, drivers
Also: test drivers
📝 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.
indicator lights, headlights/taillights
Also: pilot lights
📝 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.
raincoats, trench coats
Also: macs
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "pilotos" in Spanish:
drivers→indicator lights→macs→pilot lights→pilots→raincoats→test drivers→trench coats→✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Greek 'pedon' (oar) and Latin 'pedota,' meaning steersman or guide. It was adopted into French and then Spanish, originally referring to the person steering a ship. This core idea of 'guiding' or 'leading' connects all its modern meanings.
First recorded: 15th century (as a nautical term)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.