Inklingo

How to Say "to rescue" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rescatar

re-ska-TARreskaˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'rescatar' when saving a person or animal from immediate danger or a perilous situation.
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-BARsalˈβaɾ

verbB1general
Choose 'salvar' when referring to saving someone or something from a specific threat or potential harm.
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.

redimir

reh-dee-MEERreðiˈmiɾ

verbB2general
Use 'redimir' in a more abstract sense, meaning to free oneself or someone else from blame, sin, or a difficult situation through good deeds.
A colorful illustration of a person helping another person climb out of a deep, dark hole into a bright, sunny field.

Examples

Él quiere redimir sus errores del pasado ayudando a los demás.

He wants to redeem his past mistakes by helping others.

Después de años de fracasos, el equipo se redimió ganando el campeonato.

After years of failures, the team redeemed themselves by winning the championship.

La caridad le dio una oportunidad de redimir su imagen pública.

Charity gave him a chance to redeem his public image.

Using 'Redimirse' for Self-Correction

When you use this word with 'se' (redimirse), it means you are doing the saving yourself—like cleaning up your act after doing something wrong.

A Regular IR Verb

Even though it is a fancy word, it follows the exact same pattern as 'vivir' or 'escribir.'

Don't use it for small things

Mistake: “Me redimí comprando leche que olvidé.”

Correction: Me disculpé por olvidar la leche.

Rescatar vs. Salvar

Learners often confuse 'rescatar' and 'salvar' because both can mean saving someone from danger. 'Rescatar' emphasizes the act of retrieving someone from a specific perilous location or situation, while 'salvar' is broader and can simply mean to prevent harm.

Related Translations

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