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satélite

/sah-TEH-lee-teh/

satellite

A colorful storybook illustration showing a large blue and green planet in the blackness of space being orbited by a small, gray, cratered moon.

The word 'satélite' refers to any object, natural or artificial, that orbits a larger celestial body.

satélite(noun)

mA2

satellite

?

natural or artificial object orbiting a larger body

Also:

moon

?

natural satellite, often capitalized in English (La Luna)

📝 In Action

La Luna es el satélite natural de la Tierra.

A2

The Moon is the Earth's natural satellite.

Necesitamos una antena para recibir la señal del satélite de televisión.

B1

We need an antenna to receive the signal from the television satellite.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • luna (moon)
  • nave espacial (spacecraft)

Common Collocations

  • satélite artificial – artificial satellite
  • satélite de comunicaciones – communications satellite

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Trap

Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always masculine: 'el satélite'. Never use 'la satélite'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Natural vs. Artificial

Mistake: "Usar 'satélite' para referirse solo a la Luna."

Correction: 'Satélite' can refer to the Moon (natural) or a machine (artificial). Context tells you which one.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

If you are talking about GPS or TV signals, you are referring to an artificial satellite. If you are talking about planets, it's usually natural.

A storybook illustration showing a huge, ornate castle dominating the foreground. A small, simple cottage sits nearby, visibly connected to the towering castle by a thin rope, symbolizing dependency.

'Satélite' can also describe a dependent country or organization, often referred to as a satellite state.

satélite(noun)

mB2

satellite state/entity

?

a dependent country or organization

Also:

subordinate

?

person or group dependent on a main power

📝 In Action

Históricamente, ese país fue un satélite de la potencia vecina, sin verdadera autonomía.

B2

Historically, that country was a satellite of the neighboring power, without true autonomy.

La pequeña editorial operaba como un satélite de la gran corporación mediática.

C1

The small publishing house operated as a satellite of the large media corporation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dependencia (dependency)
  • subordinado (subordinate)

Antonyms

  • metrópoli (metropolis/mother country)

Common Collocations

  • estado satélite – satellite state
  • país satélite – satellite country

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning uses the idea of orbiting or being controlled by gravity to describe political or economic dependence.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

This political usage is usually found in news reports, history books, or formal academic discussions.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: satélite

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'satélite' in its figurative, political sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

satelital(satellite (adjective)) - adjective
satelitismo(satellitism (state of dependency)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'satélite' masculine or feminine?

'Satélite' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el satélite' or 'un satélite', regardless of what it is referring to.

Can 'satélite' refer to a person?

Yes, but usually in a negative or formal way. It implies that the person or group is merely a follower or subordinate of a more powerful leader or organization.