rescate
/res-KAH-teh/
rescue
The act of saving someone from danger is referred to as 'rescate'.
rescate(noun)
rescue
?the act of saving someone
salvation
?figurative or spiritual saving
,recovery
?retrieval of lost items
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in '-e', 'rescate' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el rescate' or 'un rescate'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Usar 'el rescatar' para el sustantivo."
Correction: Use 'el rescate' (the noun) instead of 'el rescatar' (the infinitive verb used as a noun). The verb is 'rescatar'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'de'
When talking about what was saved, use the preposition 'de' (of/from): 'el rescate de los náufragos' (the rescue of the shipwrecked people).
When 'rescate' means 'ransom,' it refers to the money paid to secure a person's freedom.
rescate(noun)
ransom
?money paid for freedom
bailout
?financial aid (see C1 definition)
,redemption price
?formal/religious context
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Meaning
Remember that 'rescate' can mean both the act of saving (rescue) and the money paid to save someone (ransom). Context is key!
⭐ Usage Tips
Financial Context
In finance, this word often implies a large sum of money or government aid, like a 'bailout' for a failing company.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: rescate
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'rescate' in the financial sense?
📚 More Resources
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.'