How to Say "hoist" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “hoist” is “levantar” — use 'levantar' when referring to the general action of lifting something, especially something heavy or to raise it.
levantar
leh-vahn-tarleβanˈtaɾ
Examples
Por favor, levanta la mano si tienes una pregunta.
Please, raise your hand if you have a question.
El niño no pudo levantar la pesada caja de juguetes.
The boy couldn't lift the heavy toy box.
Levantamos la bandera al amanecer.
We raised the flag at dawn.
Direct Object Needed
When used this way, 'levantar' needs a thing or person to receive the action: 'Levanto el libro' (I lift the book).
elevador
eh-leh-bah-DOReleβaˈðor
Examples
El elevador está al final del pasillo.
The elevator is at the end of the hallway.
No use el elevador en caso de incendio.
Do not use the elevator in case of fire.
Este edificio es antiguo y no tiene un elevador moderno.
This building is old and doesn't have a modern lift.
Masculine Word
This word is masculine, so you should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., el elevador).
Regional Choice
While 'elevador' is the standard word in Mexico and parts of Latin America, 'ascensor' is the preferred word in Spain.
The 'h' sound
Mistake: “Pronouncing it like 'elevator' with an English 'v'.”
Correction: In Spanish, the 'v' sounds exactly like a soft 'b'. Say /eh-leh-bah-DOR/.
grúa
GROO-ahˈɡɾu.a
Examples
Hay una grúa enorme en la construcción del edificio.
There is a huge crane at the building construction site.
Usaron una grúa para mover el contenedor en el puerto.
They used a crane to move the container at the port.
El director quiere una toma con grúa para esta escena.
The director wants a crane shot for this scene.
Machine Gender
Even though many large machines in Spanish are masculine (el camión, el tractor), the 'grúa' is always feminine.
Don't confuse with the bird
Mistake: “Vi una grúa volando sobre el río.”
Correction: Vi una grulla volando sobre el río.
ascensor
ahs-sen-SOREa.senˈsoɾ
Examples
El ascensor está averiado; tendremos que usar las escaleras.
The elevator is broken; we will have to use the stairs.
¿Dónde está el ascensor para subir al quinto piso?
Where is the lift to go up to the fifth floor?
Prefiero subir por el ascensor porque llevo mucho peso.
I prefer to go up by the elevator because I am carrying a lot of weight.
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'ascensor' is always masculine, so you must use the masculine article 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it: 'el ascensor' or 'un ascensor'.
Confusing 'Ascensor' and 'Escalera'
Mistake: “Using 'ascensor' when you mean 'stairs.'”
Correction: The moving machine is 'el ascensor' (elevator). The fixed steps are 'la escalera' (stairs).
Elevator vs. Crane vs. General Lifting
Related Translations
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