vapor
“vapor” means “steam” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
steam, vapor
Also: mist
📝 In Action
El vapor que sale de la tetera está muy caliente.
A2The steam coming out of the kettle is very hot.
El aire acondicionado crea un vapor frío en la habitación.
B1The air conditioner creates a cold vapor in the room.
La olla a presión suelta mucho vapor.
A2The pressure cooker releases a lot of steam.
steamboat, steamer
Also: steamship
📝 In Action
El viejo vapor tardó tres días en cruzar el lago.
B1The old steamboat took three days to cross the lake.
En el siglo XIX, los vapores revolucionaron el transporte marítimo.
C1In the 19th century, steamships revolutionized maritime transport.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vapor
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'vapor' to mean a type of transportation?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *vapor*, meaning 'steam' or 'exhalation.' The meaning referring to ships developed much later in the 19th century, due to the invention of the steam engine.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'vapor' lo mismo que 'humo'?
No. 'Vapor' is usually invisible or white, and is water in its gaseous state (like steam from a shower). 'Humo' (smoke) is visible due to tiny particles and is the result of burning something.
How do I know if 'vapor' means steam or a boat?
The context will tell you! If it involves heat, water, or chemistry (e.g., 'caliente,' 'hervir'), it means steam. If it involves a location like a 'puerto' (port) or 'río' (river), it likely means a steamboat.