zarpar
“zarpar” means “to set sail” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to set sail
Also: to weigh anchor, to depart
📝 In Action
El crucero zarpa mañana a las seis de la mañana.
A2The cruise ship sets sail tomorrow at six in the morning.
Todos los marineros estaban listos para zarpar.
B1All the sailors were ready to weigh anchor.
Una vez que el barco zarpe, no habrá vuelta atrás.
B2Once the boat sets sail, there will be no turning back.
to embark
Also: to launch
📝 In Action
Zarpamos hacia una nueva aventura empresarial.
B2We are embarking on a new business adventure.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: zarpar
Question 1 of 3
What is the most likely thing to 'zarpar'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from 'zarpa' (claw or hook), referring to the iron hooks used to pull up the anchor of a ship.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'zarpar' for an airplane?
No. For an airplane, you should use 'despegar' (to take off).
Is 'zarpar' a common word?
It is very common in the context of travel and the sea, but in daily life, people might just say 'salir' (to leave).
What does the root 'zarpa' mean?
Literally, a 'zarpa' is a claw. The connection comes from the anchor being like a hook or claw that you pull up from the seabed.