saltar
/sahl-TAHR/
to jump
When used in the context of physical movement, 'saltar' means to jump.
saltar(verb)
to jump
?physical movement
,to leap
?a long or high jump
to hop
?to jump on one foot
📝 In Action
Los niños saltaban en el trampolín toda la tarde.
A1The children were jumping on the trampoline all afternoon.
Tuve que saltar una valla para entrar al jardín.
A2I had to jump a fence to enter the garden.
💡 Grammar Points
Simple Action Verb
'Saltar' is a simple, regular verb. You can use it in all tenses just like 'hablar' (to speak) without worrying about stem changes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Movement Prepositions
When you jump over something, use 'saltar por encima de' or just 'saltar' followed by the object: 'Saltó la cerca' (He jumped the fence).
The verb 'saltar' can also mean to skip or omit a step or part.
saltar(verb)
to skip
?to omit a step or part
,to miss out on
?to fail to experience something
to disregard
?ignoring a rule or order
📝 In Action
Si lees el resumen, puedes saltar el prólogo.
B1If you read the summary, you can skip the prologue.
No puedes saltar las instrucciones o no funcionará.
B1You can't skip the instructions or it won't work.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Omitir' vs. 'Saltar'
Mistake: "Using 'omitir' for a physical skip (e.g., 'omitir una valla')."
Correction: 'Omitir' is better for formal documents or information. 'Saltar' is used for skipping physical things (like a line in a book or a step in a process). 'Saltar el desayuno' is more natural than 'omitir el desayuno'.
When an alarm or mechanism activates suddenly, 'saltar' means 'to go off.'
saltar(verb)
to go off
?alarm or mechanism activating
,to spring up/out
?sudden appearance
to explode
?in a controlled or figurative sense (e.g., a fuse)
,to flare up
?anger or reaction
📝 In Action
Cuando abrí la caja, una araña me saltó a la cara.
B2When I opened the box, a spider sprang out at my face.
La alarma de incendios saltó sin motivo aparente.
B2The fire alarm went off for no apparent reason.
Cuando le preguntaron por su ex, él saltó con un comentario brusco.
C1When they asked him about his ex, he flared up with a sharp comment.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: saltar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'saltar' in the sense of 'to omit'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'saltar' reflexive (e.g., 'saltarse')?
Yes, 'saltarse' is often used when you skip something you shouldn't have, or when you skip a routine thing like a meal or a class. For example, 'Me salté el almuerzo' (I skipped lunch).
What is the difference between 'saltar' and 'brincar'?
Both mean 'to jump.' 'Saltar' is generally the standard, broader term used for any kind of jump, including leaping over objects. 'Brincar' often implies a more casual, playful, or light hop, like a child bouncing around.