órbita
/OR-bi-ta/
orbit
The path a planet takes around a star illustrates the celestial meaning of órbita (orbit).
📝 In Action
El satélite artificial ha entrado en órbita y ahora da vueltas a la Tierra.
B1The artificial satellite has entered orbit and is now circling the Earth.
Para viajar al espacio, necesitamos calcular la órbita correcta.
B1To travel to space, we need to calculate the correct orbit.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
Even though 'órbita' starts with a strong 'o' sound, it is a regular feminine noun. Always use 'la órbita' (the orbit) and 'una órbita' (an orbit).
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Check
The accent mark over the 'o' means the stress is always on the first syllable: ÓR-bi-ta. This is common for Spanish words that have three syllables and stress the first one.
Órbita can also mean a domain or area of control, representing a sphere of influence.
📝 In Action
El director ha ampliado su órbita de acción dentro de la empresa.
C1The director has expanded their scope of action within the company.
Ese país está en la órbita económica de su vecino más grande.
B2That country is in the economic sphere of influence of its larger neighbor.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
Think of this meaning as an invisible, magnetic pull. If you are 'en la órbita de alguien' (in someone's orbit), it means they are the center of your attention or control your actions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: órbita
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'órbita' in its figurative, non-astronomical meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Por qué 'órbita' lleva acento (tilde)?
The accent mark (tilde) is there because 'órbita' is a word where the stress falls on the third-to-last syllable (ÓR-bi-ta). In Spanish, words that follow this pattern must always have a written accent mark.