salvar
“salvar” means “to save” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to save, to rescue
Also: to salvage
📝 In Action
El bombero salvó al gato del incendio.
B1The firefighter saved the cat from the fire.
Gracias por salvarme la vida.
B1Thank you for saving my life.
Intentaron salvar los muebles de la inundación.
B2They tried to salvage the furniture from the flood.
to save
Also: to back up
📝 In Action
No olvides salvar el documento antes de cerrar el programa.
A2Don't forget to save the document before closing the program.
¡Rápido, salva la partida!
A2Quick, save the game!
¿Salvaste los cambios que hiciste en la foto?
B1Did you save the changes you made to the photo?
to overcome, to get past
Also: to clear, to bridge
📝 In Action
Tuvo que salvar muchos obstáculos para lograr su sueño.
B2She had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her dream.
El nuevo puente salva el río, conectando las dos ciudades.
C1The new bridge crosses (bridges) the river, connecting the two cities.
Salvando las distancias, nuestros problemas son similares.
C1Bridging the differences (or 'differences aside'), our problems are similar.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "salvar" in Spanish:
to bridge→to clear→to overcome→to rescue→to salvage→to save→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: salvar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'salvar' to mean 'to save a computer file'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Late Latin word `salvāre`, which means 'to make safe' or 'to preserve'. This itself comes from the classic Latin word `salvus`, meaning 'safe' or 'uninjured'.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between `salvar`, `guardar`, and `ahorrar`?
They can all mean 'to save' in English, but are not interchangeable in Spanish. Use `salvar` to rescue from danger ('salvar una vida') or to save a computer file. Use `guardar` to put something away for safekeeping ('guardar las llaves') or, like `salvar`, to save a file. Use `ahorrar` specifically for saving resources like money, time, or energy ('ahorrar dinero').
Can I use `salvar` for 'saving a seat' for someone?
No, that's a case for `guardar`. You would say, '¿Me guardas el sitio?' (Can you save my seat?). Using `salvar` would sound like the seat is in some kind of danger!