Inklingo

How to Say "leak" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “leak” is “filtración” — use 'filtración' when liquid or gas escapes through a surface, like a crack or porous material, or for the unauthorized release of secret information.

filtraciónB1, B2

Use 'filtración' when liquid or gas escapes through a surface, like a crack or porous material, or for the unauthorized release of secret information.

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fuga🔊B1

Choose 'fuga' specifically for an escape or leak of water, gas, or air, often implying a more significant or noticeable issue.

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pérdida🔊B1

Use 'pérdida' when referring to the escape of liquid, gas, or data, emphasizing the loss that occurs due to the leak.

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derrame🔊B1

Use 'derrame' for an unintended discharge or spill of a substance, especially liquids like oil or chemicals, that spreads out.

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escape🔊A2

Although 'escape' primarily means 'escape' (like from prison), it can sometimes be used for an accidental release of gas or liquid, though less common than other terms.

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English → Spanish

filtración

nounB1, B2general
Use 'filtración' when liquid or gas escapes through a surface, like a crack or porous material, or for the unauthorized release of secret information.

Examples

Hay una filtración de agua en el techo del baño.

There is a water leak in the bathroom ceiling.

fuga

FOO-gahˈfu.ɣa

nounB1general
Choose 'fuga' specifically for an escape or leak of water, gas, or air, often implying a more significant or noticeable issue.
A simple metal pipe with a visible crack, showing a strong jet of water spraying out, illustrating a leak.

Examples

Llamamos al fontanero porque había una fuga de agua en el baño.

We called the plumber because there was a water leak in the bathroom.

La fuga de gas era tan pequeña que apenas se podía oler.

The gas leak was so small it could barely be smelled.

El contador registró una fuga eléctrica en la casa.

The meter registered an electrical leakage in the house.

Verbs for Leaks

To describe the action of leaking, use the verb 'escaparse' (to escape/leak out) or 'gotear' (to drip) more often than the less common verb 'fugar'.

False Cognate Alert

Mistake: “Thinking 'fuga' means 'fog' (English).”

Correction: The Spanish word for 'fog' or 'mist' is 'niebla'. Remember 'fuga' means 'escape' or 'leak'.

nounB1general
Use 'pérdida' when referring to the escape of liquid, gas, or data, emphasizing the loss that occurs due to the leak.

Examples

Hay una pérdida de gas en la cocina, ¡llama al técnico!

There is a gas leak in the kitchen, call the technician!

derrame

deh-rrah-mehdeˈrame

nounB1general
Use 'derrame' for an unintended discharge or spill of a substance, especially liquids like oil or chemicals, that spreads out.
A glass of milk tipped over on a table with a white puddle spreading around it.

Examples

Hubo un derrame de aceite en la cocina.

There was an oil spill in the kitchen.

El derrame de petróleo afectó a las aves marinas.

The oil spill affected the sea birds.

Pusimos arena sobre el derrame para que nadie se resbalara.

We put sand on the spill so no one would slip.

Masculine 'E' Noun

Even though many words ending in 'e' can be tricky, 'derrame' is always masculine (el derrame).

Using 'Derrame' for rain

Mistake: “Hubo un derrame de lluvia.”

Correction: Hubo una lluvia fuerte. 'Derrame' usually implies an accident or something escaping a container.

escape

es-KAH-pehesˈka.pe

nounA2general
Although 'escape' primarily means 'escape' (like from prison), it can sometimes be used for an accidental release of gas or liquid, though less common than other terms.
A small simplified character leaping over a low stone wall toward a bright green meadow, symbolizing freedom.

Examples

El tubo de gas tenía una pequeña escape.

The gas pipe had a small leak.

El plan de escape del prisionero falló en el último momento.

The prisoner's escape plan failed at the last minute.

Necesito un escape de la rutina, aunque sea solo un fin de semana.

I need a break (an escape) from routine, even if it's just for a weekend.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-e,' remember that 'escape' is always masculine: 'el escape' or 'un escape'.

Filtración vs. Fuga

Learners often confuse 'filtración' and 'fuga'. Remember that 'filtración' implies escaping through a surface (like a crack in a wall), while 'fuga' generally refers to a more direct escape of gas or water from a pipe or container. Both are common for water or gas leaks.

Related Translations

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