Inklingo

How to Say "to soar" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to soar” is “disparar” — use 'disparar' when referring to something increasing or rising very rapidly, often in a figurative sense like prices or statistics.

English → Spanish

disparar

dis-pah-RAHRdis.paˈɾaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'disparar' when referring to something increasing or rising very rapidly, often in a figurative sense like prices or statistics.
A simple illustration of a brightly colored arrow quickly shooting straight up into the sky, symbolizing a rapid increase.

Examples

Tras el anuncio, las acciones se dispararon en la bolsa.

After the announcement, stocks skyrocketed on the market.

La fiebre del niño se disparó de repente, tuvimos que ir al hospital.

The child's fever shot up suddenly; we had to go to the hospital.

The Reflexive Use ('Se')

When 'disparar' means 'to skyrocket,' it must be used reflexively with 'se' (dispararse). This shows that the action (the rapid increase) happened to the subject itself, often without a clear external agent.

Missing the 'Se'

Mistake: “Saying 'Los precios dispararon' (Prices shot/fired [something]).”

Correction: You must use the reflexive form: 'Los precios se dispararon' (Prices skyrocketed). This removes the transitive meaning of 'firing' something.

planear

plah-neh-AHRpla.neˈar

verbB2general
Use 'planear' when describing the literal act of flying high and steady, typically used for birds or aircraft.
A large bird with wide wings stretched out, floating smoothly through a clear blue sky.

Examples

El águila planeaba sobre las montañas buscando comida.

The eagle was soaring over the mountains looking for food.

El avión apagó los motores y empezó a planear.

The plane turned off its engines and began to glide.

Aviation Meaning

This word is related to 'plano' (flat). Think of a bird keeping its wings flat and level to stay in the air without flapping.

Literal vs. Figurative 'Soar'

Learners often confuse 'disparar' and 'planear' by using 'disparar' for literal flight. Remember, 'disparar' is for rapid increases (like stock prices), while 'planear' is for smooth, steady flight (like a bird).

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