Spanish word

rumbo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈrumbo/

Meaning

  • masculine noundirection

Example

Cambiamos de rumbo.

We changed direction.

Illustration for rumbo (direction)

More examples

Tomamos rumbo hacia el norte.

We took a course toward the north.

Core concept

An arrow on a map pointing a plotted route toward a destination.

Common phrases

  • tomar rumbo

    take a course

  • cambiar de rumbo

    change course

  • poner rumbo a

    set course for

Similar words

dirección: Gives the orientation or compass bearing toward a location, showing the direction to head.
ruta: Serves as the path or route on a map that leads from one location to another.

Definition in Spanish

Dirección o trayectoria que sigue una embarcación, un vehículo o una persona; también la orientación o línea de acción de un plan o decisión.

Word origin

From maritime usage in medieval Spanish referring to a ship's heading, adopted by general Spanish to denote any route, direction, or policy.

Usage tips

  • Unlike dirección, which is a general orientation or address, rumbo specifically suggests a course or trajectory often implying forward movement or a plan's direction.

Other meanings

  • coursenoun
  • routenoun

Word lists with this word