Inklingo

How to Say "to unload" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descargar

/dehs-kar-GAHR//deskaɾˈɣaɾ/

verbB1general
Use this word when referring to the physical act of removing cargo, goods, or weight from a vehicle, container, or location.
A person carrying a heavy brown box off the back of a wooden truck.

Examples

Los trabajadores están descargando el camión de mudanza.

The workers are unloading the moving truck.

Ayúdame a descargar las bolsas del coche.

Help me unload the bags from the car.

El barco descargó toda la mercancía en el puerto.

The ship unloaded all the goods at the port.

Physical vs. Digital

The logic is the same as English 'unload'. You are removing 'cargo' (carga), whether it's heavy boxes or digital data.

desembarcar

/de-sem-bar-kar//desembarˈkaɾ/

verbC1business, formal
Use this word when a company or product is introduced or launched into a new market, territory, or country, implying a strategic entry.
A person setting up a new market stall with a bright striped awning in a busy town square filled with other shops.

Examples

La cadena de hoteles planea desembarcar en México el próximo año.

The hotel chain plans to enter the Mexican market next year.

Están desembarcando los suministros médicos en el muelle.

They are unloading the medical supplies on the dock.

Figurative Language

Think of a business 'landing' in a new country like a ship arriving at a new shore. It implies a significant and organized arrival.

Physical vs. Market Entry

The most common mistake is using 'descargar' for market entry. Remember, 'descargar' is for physically removing items. 'Desembarcar' is specifically for a business or product 'landing' in a new place.

Related Translations

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