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How to Say "sailing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

navegación

nounB1general
Use 'navegación' when referring to the general activity or skill of traveling by sea or air, often involving navigation tools or techniques.

Examples

Los antiguos marineros usaban las estrellas para la navegación.

Ancient sailors used the stars for navigation.

vela

VAY-lah/ˈbe.la/

nounB1general
Use 'vela' specifically when talking about the physical sail of a boat, or the activity of sailing as a sport or hobby, often in phrases like 'hacer vela'.
A simple wooden sailboat featuring a large, inflated white triangular sail catching the wind on blue water.

Examples

El viento hinchó la vela y el barco aceleró.

The wind filled the sail and the boat sped up.

Aprendió a hacer vela el verano pasado.

He learned how to sail last summer (literally, 'to do sail').

Using 'Hacer'

To talk about the activity of sailing, you typically use the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) with the noun: 'hacer vela'.

partida

par-TEE-dah/paɾˈtiða/

nounA2general
Use 'partida' only when referring to the departure or setting off of a ship or boat from a port.
A character walking away from a cottage down a path, waving goodbye.

Examples

La hora de partida del ferry es a las 10:00 a.m.

The ferry's departure time is 10:00 a.m.

La hora de partida del autobús es a las 6:00 a.m.

The bus's departure time is 6:00 a.m.

Anunciaron la partida del vuelo con veinte minutos de retraso.

They announced the flight's departure with a twenty-minute delay.

Mixing up 'Partida' and 'Salida'

Mistake: “Using 'La partida' when talking about the exit door or location.”

Correction: 'Salida' is generally used for the physical exit or the most common word for departure. 'Partida' often emphasizes the moment of starting a long journey.

Sail vs. Navigation vs. Departure

Learners often confuse 'navegación' and 'vela'. Remember that 'navegación' is the broader concept of sea travel or navigation, while 'vela' refers to the physical sail or the specific activity of sailing a boat. 'Partida' is only for departure.

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