Inklingo

How to Say "to fly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

volar

boh-LAHRboˈlaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'volar' when referring to the act of moving through the air, such as by airplane, bird, or insect.
A colorful bird flying high in the bright blue sky over green rolling hills.

Examples

Quiero volar a Barcelona el próximo verano.

I want to fly to Barcelona next summer.

El pájaro vuela muy alto sobre las montañas.

The bird flies very high above the mountains.

¿Vuelas tú o prefieres el tren?

Do you fly or do you prefer the train?

The 'Boot' Conjugation

In the present tense, the 'e' in 'volar' changes to 'ue' for all forms except the 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural/Spain) forms. This is called a stem change or 'boot' verb.

Subjunctive Change

The stem change (e > ue) also applies to the special verb forms used for wishes, doubts, and emotions (present subjunctive): Espero que vuele bien. (I hope it flies well.)

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo vola, Tú volas”

Correction: Yo vuelo, Tú vuelas. Always remember the 'ue' change in the present tense forms for 'I', 'you', 'he/she/it', and 'they'.

remontar

rreh-mohn-TAHRre.monˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'remontar' when describing something like a bird, kite, or even a fish (like salmon swimming upstream) soaring or moving against a current or wind.
A bright orange salmon jumping upwards against a rushing blue waterfall.

Examples

Los pájaros remontan el viento con facilidad.

The birds soar on the wind with ease.

Los salmones tienen que remontar el río para desovar.

Salmon have to swim upstream to spawn.

A los niños les encanta remontar sus cometas en el parque.

The kids love flying their kites in the park.

Este edificio se remonta al siglo dieciocho.

This building dates back to the eighteenth century.

Dating Back with 'se'

To say something 'dates back' to a certain time, you must add 'se' to the verb: 'Se remonta a...'.

Forgetting the 'a' with Time

Mistake: “Saying 'se remonta el siglo XV'.”

Correction: Always use 'a' when dating back: 'se remonta AL siglo XV'.

Volar vs. Remontar

The most common mistake is using 'volar' when describing something that is soaring or gaining altitude, especially against a force like wind or a current. Remember that 'remontar' specifically implies this upward or against-the-force motion, while 'volar' is the general term for flying.

Related Translations

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