Spanish word

helicóptero

Pronunciation

IPA/eliˈkopteɾo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhelicopter

Example

¿Viste el helicóptero que pasó hace un momento?

Did you see the helicopter that passed by a moment ago?

Illustration for helicóptero (helicopter)

More examples

Voy a hacer un paseo en helicóptero este fin de semana.

I'm going to take a helicopter ride this weekend.

Core concept

Aircraft that takes off and lands vertically and can remain stationary above a spot.

Common phrases

  • paseo en helicóptero

    helicopter ride

  • piloto de helicóptero

    helicopter pilot

  • vuelo en helicóptero

    helicopter flight

Similar words

avión: Fixed-wing aircraft that takes off from a runway and flies fast over long distances.
dron: Unmanned small aircraft flown remotely or autonomously, usually without onboard crew.

Definition in Spanish

Vehículo aéreo capaz de elevarse verticalmente y mantenerse fijo en el aire gracias al giro de sus palas o rotores, usado para transporte, rescate y vigilancia.

Word origin

Borrowed into Spanish from French hélicoptère and ultimately from Greek helix 'spiral' plus pteron 'wing', referring to the rotor blades' spiral motion.

Usage tips

  • When describing experience versus observation, match the verb: 'Vi un helicóptero' for seeing one and 'Volé en helicóptero' for having flown in one.

Word lists with this word