Inklingo

How to Say "rescue" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rescate

/res-KAH-teh//resˈka.te/

nounA2
Use 'rescate' when referring to the specific action or operation of saving a person or thing from danger or captivity.
A lifeguard pulling a distressed person from the water onto a sandy beach, illustrating a rescue.

Examples

Los bomberos completaron el rescate de la persona atrapada.

The firefighters completed the rescue of the trapped person.

Se organizó un equipo de rescate para buscar a los excursionistas perdidos.

A rescue team was organized to search for the lost hikers.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-e', 'rescate' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el rescate' or 'un rescate'.

Mixing up the Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Usar 'el rescatar' para el sustantivo.”

Correction: Use 'el rescate' (the noun) instead of 'el rescatar' (the infinitive verb used as a noun). The verb is 'rescatar'.

salvación

nounB1
Use 'salvación' when the act of saving implies escaping a dire or desperate situation, akin to salvation or deliverance.

Examples

La llegada del equipo médico fue nuestra única salvación.

The arrival of the medical team was our only rescue (or salvation).

salve

/sal-ve//ˈsal.βe/

verbB1
Use the verb 'salvar' (in its subjunctive form 'salve' or other conjugations) when the act of saving refers to preventing a negative outcome or resolving a difficult situation, not just a physical rescue.
A depiction of rescue, showing a strong hand reaching down from a safe ledge to pull a smaller figure up from a lower level, symbolizing saving someone.

Examples

Espero que alguien salve la situación antes de que sea tarde.

I hope that someone saves the situation before it's too late.

¡Salve usted la copia de seguridad ahora mismo!

Save the backup copy right now! (Formal command)

Dudo que él salve el examen sin estudiar.

I doubt that he passes (saves) the exam without studying.

Using the Subjunctive Form

You use 'salve' (the subjunctive form) when you express uncertainty, wishes, or emotions about someone else performing the action: 'Espero que él salve...' (I hope that he saves...).

Formal Commands

'Salve' is the polite, formal way to tell someone (usted) to save or rescue something: '¡Salve la foto!' (Save the photo!).

Confusing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Dudo que él salva el día.”

Correction: Dudo que él salve el día. (You need the special subjunctive form after expressions of doubt like 'dudar'.)

Rescate vs. Salvar

Learners often use 'rescate' (noun) when 'salvar' (verb) is more appropriate, especially when talking about saving a situation rather than a person. Remember that 'rescate' specifically refers to the act of rescuing, while 'salvar' is a broader verb meaning 'to save'.

Related Translations

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