Basic Nautical Terms

En esta entrada del blog, exploraremos una variedad de términos náuticos, desde los básicos hasta los más complejos. Proporcionaremos definiciones y ejemplos para ayudarte a comprender estos términos y su uso. Ya seas un marinero, o simplemente alguien deseoso de ampliar su vocabulario, esperamos que encuentres esta guía tanto informativa como atractiva. ¡Así que sumerjámonos en el fascinante mundo de los términos náuticos! 

Basic Nautical Terms

Aquí te muestro algunos términos básicos para iniciar. Para que te sientas más cómodo con los conceptos, están en inglés y español. 

Sailing Terms

Si estás interesado en navegar, necesitarás conocer algunos términos náuticos adicionales relacionados con el viento y las velas:

Navigation Terms

La navegación maritíma implica el uso de un vocabulario específico que difiere del utilizado en otros escenarios. A continuación se presentan algunos términos comúnmente empleados en la navegación marítima.

Nautical Terms in Everyday Language

Here are some sentences and expressions to better understand the nautical terms in context. 

1. Afloat

   • "Despite the challenges, we managed to keep the project afloat."
   • "The ship remained afloat even in the rough seas."

2. All hands on deck

   • "We need all hands on deck to finish this report by the end of the day."
   • "All hands on deck! We're preparing for a storm."

3. Batten down the hatches

   • "Let's batten down the hatches before the deadline hits."
   • "They had to batten down the hatches as the hurricane approached."

4. Between the devil and the deep blue sea

   • "She was between the devil and the deep blue sea, having to choose between a rock and a hard place."
   • "When negotiations broke down, we were between the devil and the deep blue sea."

5. By and large

   • "By and large, the meeting was a success."
   • "By and large, sailors are superstitious."

6. Chock-a-block

   • "The warehouse was chock-a-block with supplies."
   • "The marina was chock-a-block with boats during the regatta."

7. Cut and run

   • "When the market crashed, they decided to cut and run."
   • "The pirates had to cut and run when they saw the navy approaching."

8. Down the hatch

   • "Let's toast to our success! Down the hatch!"
   • "They cheered and threw their drinks down the hatch."

9. Hard and fast

   • "There are no hard and fast rules in this situation."
   • "The ship was stuck hard and fast on the reef."

10. High and dry

    • "After the funding was cut, the project was left high and dry."
    • "The tide went out and left the boat high and dry."

11. In the doldrums

    • "The company has been in the doldrums for months now."
    • "We were in the doldrums for days, with no wind to sail."

12. Loose cannon

    • "He's a loose cannon and could say anything in the meeting."
    • "The unpredictable sailor was seen as a loose cannon by his peers."

13. On an even keel

    • "After a turbulent year, things are finally on an even keel."
    • "The captain worked hard to keep the ship on an even keel."

14. Over the top

    • "His reaction to the news was a bit over the top."
    • "The captain's enthusiasm was sometimes over the top."

15. Pipe down

    • "Can you pipe down? I'm trying to concentrate."
    • "The crew was told to pipe down as the captain made an announcement."

16. Show the ropes

    • "It’s my first day, so please show me the ropes."
    • "The seasoned sailor was happy to show the new recruit the ropes."

17. Three sheets to the wind

    • "After the party, he was three sheets to the wind."
    • "The sailors were three sheets to the wind after celebrating their safe return."

These phrases are rich with nautical history and have found their way into everyday language, often carrying similar meanings to their maritime origins. Do you know another one? Don´t hesitate and share your opinion. Practice with this ACTIVITY and master your knowledge of maritime English.