salvavidas
“salvavidas” means “life jacket” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
life jacket, lifebuoy
Also: spare tire
📝 In Action
Es obligatorio llevar el salvavidas puesto en el barco.
A2It is mandatory to wear the life jacket on the boat.
El marinero lanzó un salvavidas al agua para ayudar al nadador.
B1The sailor threw a lifebuoy into the water to help the swimmer.
lifeguard
Also: lifesaver
📝 In Action
El salvavidas está vigilando a los niños en la piscina.
A2The lifeguard is watching the children in the pool.
¡Eres un salvavidas! Gracias por ayudarme con mi tarea.
B1You're a lifesaver! Thanks for helping me with my homework.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "salvavidas" in Spanish:
life jacket→lifebuoy→lifeguard→lifesaver→spare tire→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: salvavidas
Question 1 of 2
How do you say 'The life jackets' (plural) in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
A compound word created by joining 'salva' (from the verb 'salvar', meaning 'to save') and 'vidas' (the plural of 'vida', meaning 'life'). It literally means 'saves lives'.
First recorded: 19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'salvavidas' masculine or feminine?
It is naturally masculine when referring to the object (el salvavidas). When referring to a person, it can be masculine (el salvavidas) or feminine (la salvavidas) depending on the person's gender.
Can I use it for 'lifesaver' candy?
No, the candy brand is usually kept in English or called 'caramelos' or 'dulces'. 'Salvavidas' refers to the safety equipment or a helpful person.