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How to Say "harbor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

puerto

PWEHR-toh/ˈpweɾto/

nounA1general
Use 'puerto' for general-purpose ports that accommodate various types of vessels, including large commercial ships and cruise ships, and where goods are loaded/unloaded.
A wide view of a calm blue harbor showing several large ships docked next to a row of colorful seaside buildings, illustrating a port.

Examples

El crucero atracó en el puerto de Barcelona esta mañana.

The cruise ship docked in the port of Barcelona this morning.

Necesitamos un buen puerto para protegernos de la tormenta.

We need a good harbor to protect ourselves from the storm.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'puerto' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles: 'el puerto' (the port) or 'un puerto' (a port).

marina

mah-REE-nah/maˈɾina/

nounA2general
Choose 'marina' specifically for facilities designed to dock yachts and smaller recreational boats, often with services for boat owners.
An illustration of a bustling marina with several colorful small sailboats and yachts tied to wooden piers in calm water.

Examples

Dejamos el velero en la marina antes de ir a cenar.

We left the sailboat at the marina before going to dinner.

La marina está llena de yates de lujo.

The marina is full of luxury yachts.

General Ports vs. Boat Marinas

Learners often confuse 'puerto' and 'marina'. Remember that 'puerto' is the broader term for any port, especially for larger commercial or passenger ships, while 'marina' is specific to areas for yachts and smaller pleasure craft.

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