Inklingo

How to Say "to rescue" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to rescue” is “rescatar” — use 'rescatar' when the focus is on actively extracting a person or animal from a dangerous situation or confinement..

English → Spanish

rescatar

/re-ska-TAR//reskaˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'rescatar' when the focus is on actively extracting a person or animal from a dangerous situation or confinement.
A firefighter gently carrying a small kitten out of a smoky doorway.

Examples

Los bomberos lograron rescatar al niño del edificio.

The firefighters managed to rescue the boy from the building.

Necesitamos rescatar a los excursionistas que se perdieron.

We need to rescue the hikers who got lost.

Using the 'Personal A'

Since you are usually rescuing a person or a pet, you must use 'a' before them. Example: 'Rescatar a María' (Rescue Maria).

Rescatar vs. Salvar

Mistake: “Using 'rescatar' for saving a file on a computer.”

Correction: Use 'guardar' for files. 'Rescatar' implies pulling someone out of a dangerous physical place.

salvar

/sal-BAR//salˈβaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'salvar' when the emphasis is on saving someone or something from a specific, immediate threat or peril.
A depiction of rescue, showing a strong hand reaching down from above to grasp a smaller hand that is reaching up from a dark, steep ravine.

Examples

El bombero salvó al gato del incendio.

The firefighter saved the cat from the fire.

Gracias por salvarme la vida.

Thank you for saving my life.

Intentaron salvar los muebles de la inundación.

They tried to salvage the furniture from the flood.

Saving Someone *From* Something

To say you saved someone from something, use the pattern: salvar a alguien de algo. For example, 'Salvé al perro del río' (I saved the dog from the river).

Saving Money vs. Saving a Life

Mistake: “Quiero salvar dinero para un coche.”

Correction: Quiero *ahorrar* dinero para un coche. Use `salvar` for rescuing from danger, and `ahorrar` for saving money or resources.

Rescatar vs. Salvar

Learners often confuse 'rescatar' and 'salvar' because both involve saving. Remember that 'rescatar' implies an action of extraction from a place or situation, while 'salvar' is a more general term for keeping someone safe from harm or death.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.