How to Say Swimming in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
Updated for 2026, the word "swimming" in Spanish is natación. If you're visiting a Spanish-speaking country or just looking to expand your language skills, knowing how to say "swimming" can enhance your experience. In this article, we will explore various ways to express swimming in Spanish, including regional variations and common phrases related to competitive swimming.
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What is "Swimming" in Spanish?
The word for "swimming" in Spanish is natación (IPA: /na.taˈθjon/), a feminine noun derived from the verb nadar (IPA: /naˈðaɾ/) which means "to swim". However, there are other ways to express swimming depending on context and region.
Meaning of "Swimming" in Spanish
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →The meaning of "swimming" in Spanish is identical to its English counterpart, referring to the activity of moving through water using your arms and legs for exercise, recreation, or competition.
Regional Differences
While natación is widely understood across Spanish-speaking countries, regional variations exist:
- In Mexico, terms like nado (IPA: /ˈnaðo/) and nado sincronizado (IPA: /ˈnaðo sin.kɾo.niˈθaðo/) are used for "swimming" or "synchronized swimming".
- In Argentina, the term pileta (IPA: /piˈleta/) is commonly used to refer to a "swimming pool".
- In Spain, while natación is most common, nadar can also be used.
Pronunciation Tips for Common Swimming-Related Words
To ensure you're using the term correctly:
- Natación (IPA: /na.taˈθjon/)
- Nadar (IPA: /naˈðaɾ/)
- Piscina (IPA: /piˈsi.na/) - meaning "swimming pool"
Common Phrases Related to Swimming Activities and Competitive Swimming
Beyond just the word for swimming, here are some useful phrases:
- ¿Cómo se dice "natación" en alemán?
- Quiero aprender a nadar.
- La natación es un deporte muy saludable.
- ¿Dónde está la piscina?
- Me encanta nadar en el mar.
- Soy un nadador competitivo.
(How do you say "swimming" in German?)
(I want to learn how to swim.)
(Swimming is a very healthy sport.)
(Where is the swimming pool?)
(I love to swim in the sea.)
(I am a competitive swimmer.)
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