How to Say "vessels" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “vessels” is “barcos” — use 'barcos' for general watercraft, including fishing boats, sailboats, or any smaller to medium-sized water transport..
barcos
BAR-kohs/ˈbaɾ.kos/
Examples
Los barcos de pesca regresaron al amanecer.
The fishing boats returned at dawn.
Vimos muchos barcos grandes en el canal.
We saw many large ships in the canal.
Necesitamos más barcos para transportar la mercancía.
We need more vessels to transport the merchandise.
Plural Rule
Since the singular form 'barco' ends in a vowel ('o'), you just add an '-s' to make it plural: barco → barcos.
Gender Matching
Because 'barcos' is a masculine noun, any describing words (adjectives) used with it must also be masculine and plural (e.g., 'los barcos nuevos', not 'las barcos nuevas').
Using the Wrong Article
Mistake: “Las barcos son grandes.”
Correction: Los barcos son grandes. (Since 'barcos' is masculine, you must use the masculine plural article 'los'.)
naves
NAH-vehsˈnaβes
Examples
Las naves antiguas cruzaban el océano en tres meses.
The ancient ships crossed the ocean in three months.
El capitán revisó todas las naves antes de zarpar.
The captain checked all the vessels before setting sail.
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'nave' is feminine, so even though it refers to a large object, you use feminine articles: 'la nave' (singular) and 'las naves' (plural).
Mixing up Nave and Barco
Mistake: “Using 'nave' for any small boat.”
Correction: While technically correct, 'nave' usually implies a large, serious vessel (like a ship or spacecraft). Use 'barco' or 'bote' for smaller, everyday boats.
vasos
/VAH-sohs//ˈbasos/
Examples
Los vasos sanguíneos son esenciales para transportar oxígeno.
Blood vessels are essential for transporting oxygen.
El cirujano examinó los vasos linfáticos de la zona afectada.
The surgeon examined the lymphatic vessels of the affected area.
Shared Root Meaning
This meaning relates to the original Latin sense of 'vaso,' meaning 'container' or 'vessel,' which applies to both body parts and kitchenware.
Boats vs. Body Tubes
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.