Inklingo

How to Say "bow" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bow” is “lazo” — use 'lazo' when referring to a decorative knot, often used for gifts or on clothing.

English → Spanish

lazo

LAH-sohˈlaso

nounA2general
Use 'lazo' when referring to a decorative knot, often used for gifts or on clothing.
A bright red decorative ribbon tied into a perfect bow.

Examples

Ella ató un hermoso lazo en el paquete.

She tied a beautiful bow on the package.

Puse un lazo rojo en el regalo de cumpleaños.

I put a red bow on the birthday gift.

Ella siempre lleva un lazo en el pelo.

She always wears a ribbon in her hair.

Masculine Ending

Since it ends in -o, it uses masculine words like 'el' or 'un'.

arco

AR-kohˈaɾko

nounB1general
Use 'arco' for the weapon used in archery, from which arrows are shot.
A traditional wooden longbow with a taut string, holding one feathered arrow ready for release.

Examples

El arquero disparó una flecha con su arco.

The archer shot an arrow with his bow.

El arquero tensó la cuerda del arco y disparó la flecha.

The archer tightened the bowstring and shot the arrow.

Necesito cambiar las cerdas del arco de mi violín.

I need to change the hairs on my violin bow.

reverencia

reh-veh-REHN-syahreβeˈɾenθja

nounB1formal
Use 'reverencia' for a physical gesture of respect, typically a deep bend of the body, often performed by performers.
A person in formal clothing performing a deep bow of respect.

Examples

Los actores hicieron una reverencia al público.

The actors took a bow to the audience.

El actor hizo una reverencia profunda al final de la obra.

The actor took a deep bow at the end of the play.

Tratamos a nuestros abuelos con mucha reverencia.

We treat our grandparents with great reverence.

Ella hizo una pequeña reverencia ante la reina.

She did a small curtsy before the queen.

Identifying the gender

Since 'reverencia' ends in -a, it is almost always feminine. You should use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using the word as an action

To say 'to bow' in Spanish, we don't usually use a single word. Instead, we say 'hacer una reverencia' (to make a bow).

Confusing 'respect' and 'reverence'

Mistake: “Using 'reverencia' for everyday polite respect.”

Correction: Use 'respeto' for general politeness. Use 'reverencia' only for extreme, deep, or formal honor.

proa

PRO-ahˈpɾo.a

nounB1nautical
Use 'proa' specifically for the front part of a ship or boat.
The front part of a wooden boat cutting through blue water.

Examples

El barco navegaba con la proa hacia el mar abierto.

The ship sailed with its bow towards the open sea.

El capitán se quedó parado en la proa mirando el horizonte.

The captain stood at the bow looking at the horizon.

Las olas golpeaban la proa del pequeño barco con fuerza.

The waves hit the bow of the small boat with force.

Después de muchos problemas, finalmente pusimos proa a nuestro destino.

After many problems, we finally headed toward our destination.

Always Feminine

'Proa' is a feminine noun. Even if it refers to a huge, powerful ship, you must always use feminine markers like 'la proa' or 'una proa'.

Used with 'a'

When using 'proa' to describe where you are heading, it is almost always followed by the word 'a' (to/towards), as in 'poner proa a Madrid'.

Don't confuse it with 'Popa'

Mistake: “Saying 'proa' when you mean the back of the boat.”

Correction: Use 'proa' for the front (the 'Pointy' bit) and 'popa' for the back.

inclinación

nounC1general
Use 'inclinación' for a slight physical movement, like nodding or a small bend, often used as a greeting or sign of respect.

Examples

Hizo una ligera inclinación de cabeza en señal de acuerdo.

He made a slight bow of his head as a sign of agreement.

nariz

nah-REESnaˈɾis

nounB2figurative
Use 'nariz' metaphorically to refer to the front or projecting part of a vehicle or, colloquially, a keen sense of smell.
A colorful storybook illustration of a stylized nose leaning down to smell the steam and aroma rising from a steaming cup of coffee.

Examples

El coche deportivo tenía una nariz aerodinámica.

The sports car had an aerodynamic nose.

El catador de vinos tiene una excelente nariz para identificar los aromas frutales.

The wine taster has an excellent nose for identifying the fruity aromas.

Asegúrate de que la nariz del barco apunte hacia el faro.

Make sure the bow (nose) of the boat points toward the lighthouse.

Figurative Use

In technical fields like sailing or tasting, 'nariz' is used just like 'nose' in English to mean the front point or the sense of smell itself.

Gesture vs. Ship Part

Learners often confuse 'reverencia' and 'inclinación' for gestures of respect, and sometimes 'proa' for the front of any object. Remember that 'reverencia' is a deeper bow, 'inclinación' is a slight nod or tilt, and 'proa' is exclusively for ships/boats.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.