Spanish Conversation · Level 142
45 words
Spanish word
despegar
Pronunciation
IPA/despeˈɣaɾ/
Meaning
- verbtake off
Example
¿A qué hora despega el avión?
What time does the plane take off?
More examples
El avión está a punto de despegar.
The plane is about to take off.
Core concept
Plane lifting off the runway.
Common phrases
despegar hacia Madrid
take off for Madrid
despegar de la pista
take off from the runway
despegar sin problema
take off without a problem
Similar words
volar: Moves through the air using wings or an aircraft, remaining aloft.
salir: Leaves a place to go outside or away from where one is.
partir: Departs from a place to set off toward another destination.
subir: Rises to a higher position or level.
Definition in Spanish
Salir del contacto con una superficie para comenzar a volar, principalmente referido a aeronaves.
Word origin
From Spanish des- 'off/undo' + pegar 'to stick', originally meaning 'peel off' and extended to describe an aircraft separating from the ground.
Usage tips
- Used literally for aircraft and also figuratively to mean 'gain sudden popularity or momentum', so context shows flying versus metaphor.