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How to Say "airborne" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aéreo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'aéreo' when referring to things that are carried or operate by air, especially in the context of transportation or general aerial phenomena.

Examples

El transporte aéreo es el más rápido para largas distancias.

Air transport is the fastest for long distances.

volador

/bo-lah-DOR//bolaˈðoɾ/

adjectiveB1technical/scientific
Use 'volador' primarily in scientific or technical contexts, or when describing something that is actively flying, like a creature or an object designed for flight.
A colorful bird with its wings spread wide, soaring through a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Examples

Creen que vieron un platillo volador en el bosque.

They believe they saw a flying saucer in the forest.

Me gustaría tener una alfombra voladora.

I would like to have a flying carpet.

El pez volador saltó fuera del agua.

The flying fish jumped out of the water.

Making it Feminine

When describing a feminine noun, you must change the ending to 'voladora'. For example: 'una alfombra voladora'.

Position of the Word

Like most adjectives in Spanish, this word usually goes after the noun it describes (e.g., 'platillo volador').

Confusing with the verb

Mistake: “La pájaro está volador.”

Correction: El pájaro está volando. Use 'volando' for the action of flying, and 'volador' to describe the type of creature.

Choosing Between 'Aéreo' and 'Volador'

Learners often confuse 'aéreo' and 'volador'. Remember that 'aéreo' is for things *related to air* (like transport), while 'volador' describes something *that flies* or is a flying object.

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