How to Say "skipper" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “skipper” is “capitán” — use 'capitán' for the commander of a larger vessel like a ship or a ferry, or in a more general or formal sense of leadership..
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capitán
nounB1informal
Use 'capitán' for the commander of a larger vessel like a ship or a ferry, or in a more general or formal sense of leadership.
Examples
El capitán del barco anunció que llegaríamos pronto al puerto.
The ship's captain announced we would arrive at the port soon.
patrón
nounB2noun
Choose 'patrón' for the person in charge of a smaller boat, like a yacht or fishing boat, or when referring to a patron saint.
Examples
El patrón de la embarcación nos guio a través de la niebla.
The boat's skipper guided us through the fog.
Capitán vs. Patrón for Boat Leaders
Learners often confuse 'capitán' and 'patrón' when referring to the person in charge of a boat. Remember that 'capitán' is more common for larger vessels and general leadership, while 'patrón' is typically used for smaller boats and has other meanings like 'patron saint'.
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