rescate
“rescate” means “rescue” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
rescue
Also: salvation, recovery
📝 In Action
Los bomberos completaron el rescate de la persona atrapada.
A2The firefighters completed the rescue of the trapped person.
Se organizó un equipo de rescate para buscar a los excursionistas perdidos.
B1A rescue team was organized to search for the lost hikers.
ransom
Also: bailout, redemption price
📝 In Action
Los secuestradores exigieron un rescate millonario.
B2The kidnappers demanded a million-dollar ransom.
El rescate se pagó en efectivo para asegurar la liberación.
C1The ransom was paid in cash to ensure the release.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "rescate" in Spanish:
bailout→ransom→recovery→redemption price→rescue→salvation→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: rescate
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'rescate' in the financial sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the verb 'rescatar', which ultimately derives from Vulgar Latin *recaptare*, meaning 'to take back' or 'to recover'.
First recorded: Medieval period (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'rescate' used for both saving a person and saving an object?
Yes, 'rescate' works for both. You can talk about 'el rescate de un niño' (saving a child) or 'el rescate de un tesoro' (recovering a treasure). The meaning is always about getting something or someone out of a dangerous or lost situation.
How do I know if 'rescate' means 'rescue' or 'ransom'?
Look at the context. If the sentence mentions someone demanding money ('exigir un rescate') or paying a large sum, it means 'ransom.' If it mentions a team, a difficult location, or a dangerous situation, it usually means 'rescue.'