rumbo
“rumbo” means “course” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
course, heading
Also: direction
📝 In Action
El capitán ajustó el timón y puso rumbo al sur.
A2The captain adjusted the rudder and set a course for the south.
Perdimos el rumbo por culpa de la niebla espesa.
B1We lost our heading because of the thick fog.
El avión lleva rumbo a Madrid.
A2The plane is heading toward Madrid.
path, way forward
Also: sense of purpose
📝 In Action
Después de graduarme, sentí que mi vida no tenía rumbo.
B1After graduating, I felt that my life had no direction (or purpose).
La empresa necesita definir un nuevo rumbo estratégico.
B2The company needs to define a new strategic course (or way forward).
Decidió dar un nuevo rumbo a su carrera profesional.
B1She decided to give a new direction to her professional career.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old Spanish word 'rombo' (rhombus or diamond shape), which was used in navigation to refer to the markings on a compass that indicate direction.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.