Inklingo

How to Say "leak" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fuga

FOO-gah/ˈfu.ɣa/

nounB1general
Use 'fuga' when referring to the unintended escape of water, gas, or air, typically from a pipe or container.
A simple metal pipe with a visible crack, showing a strong jet of water spraying out, illustrating a leak.

Examples

Hay una fuga de gas en la cocina.

There is a gas leak in the kitchen.

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'.

escape

/es-KAH-peh//esˈka.pe/

nounA2general
Use 'escape' when referring to the act of getting out of a place or situation, not specifically a fluid or gas leak.
A small simplified character leaping over a low stone wall toward a bright green meadow, symbolizing freedom.

Examples

El perro logró un escape del jardín.

The dog managed an escape from the yard.

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'.

Confusing 'fuga' and 'escape'

Learners often confuse 'fuga' and 'escape' because 'escape' can mean 'leak' in a very broad sense in English. However, in Spanish, 'fuga' is specifically for leaks of fluids or gases, while 'escape' is for the act of getting away.

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