How to Say "maritime" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “maritime” is “marino” — use 'marino' when referring to laws, commerce, or scientific study related to the sea, often in a formal or academic context.
marino
mah-REE-nohmaˈɾino
Examples
La Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar regula las actividades marítimas.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regulates maritime activities.
Estudiamos la vida marina en la universidad.
We studied marine life at the university.
El puerto tiene una gran actividad marina.
The port has great maritime activity.
Encontramos una estrella de mar en la playa.
We found a starfish on the beach. (Note: 'estrella de mar' is a common phrase, but 'marino' is used for general descriptions)
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'marino' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. For a feminine noun, use 'marina' (e.g., 'costa marina'). For plurals, add an 's' (marinos/marinas).
Forgetting Gender Change
Mistake: “La vida marino es hermosa.”
Correction: La vida marina es hermosa. (Because 'vida' is feminine, the adjective must be 'marina'.)
marítimo
Examples
El clima marítimo de esta región es muy agradable todo el año.
The maritime climate of this region is very pleasant all year round.
naval
nah-VAHLnaˈβal
Examples
España tiene una importante flota naval en el Mediterráneo.
Spain has an important naval fleet in the Mediterranean.
Trabaja en una base naval en el sur de España.
He works at a naval base in the south of Spain.
La construcción naval es una industria tradicional aquí.
Shipbuilding is a traditional industry here.
El museo tiene una gran colección de historia naval.
The museum has a large collection of naval history.
One Form for All
This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing. You can say 'el barco naval' or 'la base naval'.
Avoid adding an 'a'
Mistake: “la base navala”
Correction: la base naval. Words ending in -al in Spanish usually don't change their ending to match the gender.
marinero
mah-ree-NEH-rohmaɾiˈneɾo
Examples
Compró una camisa marinera para sus vacaciones en la playa.
He bought a sailor-style shirt for his beach vacation.
El estilo marinero, con rayas azules y blancas, está de moda.
The nautical style, with blue and white stripes, is in fashion.
Necesitamos un buen nudo marinero para asegurar la vela.
We need a good sailor's knot (nautical knot) to secure the sail.
Adjective Agreement
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'marinero' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'un traje marinero' (masculine) but 'una vida marinera' (feminine).
Confusing 'marino' and 'marítimo'
Related Translations
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