How to Say "wings" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “wings” is “alas” — use 'alas' when referring to the literal wings of birds, insects, airplanes, or even metaphorical wings like those of an angel..
alas
AH-lahs/ˈa.las/
Examples
Las aves extienden sus alas antes de despegar.
The birds extend their wings before taking off.
El avión tiene alas muy grandes para un vuelo tan corto.
The plane has very large wings for such a short flight.
El entrenador reforzó las alas de su equipo para el contraataque.
The coach strengthened the flanks (wings) of his team for the counterattack.
Feminine Noun, Masculine Article (Singular)
The singular form, 'ala,' is a feminine word, but because it starts with a stressed 'A' sound, we use the masculine article 'el' (el ala) instead of 'la' to make it easier to say. In the plural, we use the correct feminine article: 'las alas'.
Using the wrong article in plural
Mistake: “Los alas”
Correction: Las alas. Remember, the word is feminine, and in the plural, it takes the standard feminine article 'las'.
velas
VE-lasˈbelas
Examples
El viento hinchó las velas y el barco zarpó.
The wind filled the sails and the boat set sail.
Subieron las velas mayores para aprovechar la brisa.
They raised the main sails to take advantage of the breeze.
Dual Noun Meaning
Although 'vela' means both 'candle' and 'sail,' the context usually makes the meaning clear (e.g., if you are on a boat, it means 'sails').
Literal vs. Figurative Use
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