How to Say "crane" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “crane” is “grúa” — use 'grúa' for the general term for a large machine used for lifting heavy objects, typically seen at construction sites or in ports.
English → Spanish
grúa
nounB1general
Use 'grúa' for the general term for a large machine used for lifting heavy objects, typically seen at construction sites or in ports.
Examples
Hay una grúa enorme en la construcción del edificio.
There is a huge crane at the building construction site.
pluma
ploo-mah'plu.ma
nounB2technical/specific
Use 'pluma' when referring to the boom or jib of a crane, or a specific type of lifting machine with a projecting arm, often seen in industrial or hydraulic contexts.
Examples
La pluma hidráulica levantó las vigas de acero al tercer piso.
The hydraulic crane lifted the steel beams to the third floor.
El trabajador controlaba la pluma de la grúa con un joystick.
The worker controlled the boom of the crane with a joystick.
Visual Connection
This meaning comes from the long, thin, projecting arm of the machine, which looks like a giant feather or quill.
Grúa vs. Pluma
Learners often use 'pluma' when they simply mean a construction crane. Remember that 'grúa' is the broad term for any lifting machine. 'Pluma' is more specific, usually referring to the extending arm or a particular type of crane with that feature.
Related Translations
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