Inklingo
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rumbo

/rrohm-boh/

course

A small red sailboat follows a visible dashed line across the ocean directly toward a distant green island, symbolizing its nautical course.

When referring to the direction of a ship or plane, rumbo means 'course'.

rumbo(noun)

mA2

course

?

nautical or aerial direction

,

heading

?

specific direction of travel

Also:

direction

?

general orientation

📝 In Action

El capitán ajustó el timón y puso rumbo al sur.

A2

The captain adjusted the rudder and set a course for the south.

Perdimos el rumbo por culpa de la niebla espesa.

B1

We lost our heading because of the thick fog.

El avión lleva rumbo a Madrid.

A2

The plane is heading toward Madrid.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dirección (direction)
  • trayectoria (trajectory, path)

Common Collocations

  • cambiar de rumbo – to change course
  • poner rumbo a – to head towards / set a course for

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Rumbo' with 'A'

When you talk about setting a direction toward a specific place, you almost always use the preposition 'a' (to/toward): 'rumbo a la costa' (heading to the coast).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Por' instead of 'A'

Mistake: "El tren va por rumbo Barcelona."

Correction: El tren va rumbo a Barcelona. ('Rumbo a' is the fixed phrase for destination.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Focus on Intent

Think of 'rumbo' as the intended direction or the heading being followed, rather than just the physical orientation (which is often 'dirección').

A solitary person stands at the beginning of a winding dirt path that leads up a hill towards a brightly lit forest, representing a life path.

Rumbo can also figuratively mean 'path', referring to a course of action or life's direction.

rumbo(noun)

mB1

path

?

figurative course of action or life

,

way forward

?

future direction of a project or organization

Also:

sense of purpose

?

lack of direction in life

📝 In Action

Después de graduarme, sentí que mi vida no tenía rumbo.

B1

After graduating, I felt that my life had no direction (or purpose).

La empresa necesita definir un nuevo rumbo estratégico.

B2

The company needs to define a new strategic course (or way forward).

Decidió dar un nuevo rumbo a su carrera profesional.

B1

She decided to give a new direction to her professional career.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • sin rumbo fijo – without a fixed direction/aimlessly

Idioms & Expressions

  • perder el rumbo – to lose one's way (figuratively), to lose focus or purpose

💡 Grammar Points

Abstract Use

When used figuratively, 'rumbo' often appears with verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'dar' (to give) to discuss purpose or change of direction in abstract concepts like careers or organizations.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: rumbo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'rumbo' in its figurative sense (meaning 'life path' or 'purpose')?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

rumbar(to follow a course (less common verb)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'rumbo' y 'dirección'?

'Dirección' is the general orientation or the physical address (like your home address). 'Rumbo' is more specific: it refers to the intended course or path you are currently following, especially when traveling or discussing goals. Think of 'rumbo' as the compass heading.

Does 'rumbo' always refer to physical travel?

No. While it started with navigation, 'rumbo' is very often used to talk about abstract paths, like the direction of a political party, a business strategy, or someone's life goals. If someone 'no tiene rumbo,' they lack purpose.