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popa

PO-pah/ˈpopa/

“popa” means “stern” in Spanish (the back part of a boat or ship).

stern

Also: aft
NounfB1
A colorful illustration showing the back part of a wooden ship floating on calm water.

📝 In Action

El capitán se sentó en la popa para pescar.

A2

The captain sat at the stern to fish.

El nombre del barco está escrito en la popa.

B1

The name of the boat is written on the stern.

Nuestro nuevo negocio va viento en popa.

B2

Our new business is going swimmingly (sailing smoothly).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • parte trasera (back part)

Antonyms

  • proa (bow (front of a ship))

Common Collocations

  • viento en popa – sailing smoothly / going very well
  • de popa a proa – from stern to bow (completely)

Idioms & Expressions

  • ir viento en popa – to be very successful or progressing quickly without obstacles

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "popa" in Spanish:

aft→stern→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: popa

Question 1 of 3

Where would you be if you were in the 'popa' of a boat?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
popel(related to the stern) — Adjective
empopar(to sail before the wind) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'puppis', which specifically referred to the rear section of a vessel where the helmsman stood.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: poupeEnglish: poop (as in 'poop deck')Italian: poppa

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'popa' for the back of a car?

No, 'popa' is strictly for boats. For a car, you would use 'la parte trasera' or 'el maletero' (the trunk).

Is 'popa' related to the English word 'poop'?

Yes! In a nautical sense, the 'poop deck' comes from the same Latin root. It refers to the deck that forms the roof of a cabin built in the rear (stern) of the ship.

How do I remember 'popa' vs 'proa'?

Think of 'Popa' as 'Past' (the part you already sailed past) and 'Proa' as 'Próximo' (the part that is closest to what's next).