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How To Say "To Fly" In Spanish

Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and one essential aspect is mastering vocabulary, especially verbs. If you have ever wondered how to say the English verb "to fly" in Spanish, you are in the right place. In this article, we will delve into the translations and meanings of this dynamic verb, providing you with the knowledge you need to confidently use it in various contexts.

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What is "To Fly" in Spanish?

The English verb "to fly" translates to volar (IPA: /boˈlar/) in Spanish. This versatile verb encapsulates the action of moving through the air using wings or an aircraft, and it holds a significant place in both languages due to the concept of aviation and travel.

Meaning of "To Fly" in Spanish

"Volar" goes beyond the simple physical act of flying: it can also express broader meanings and metaphors:

  • Literal Flight: Just like in English, "volar" denotes the physical act of flying through the air. It is used when referring to birds, airplanes, or any other object in motion through the sky.

Example: Los pájaros pueden volar alto en el cielo. (Birds can fly high in the sky.)

  • Metaphorical Usage: "Volar" is also employed metaphorically to convey a sense of speed or rapid movement, often used in everyday speech.

Example: El tiempo pasó volando durante nuestras vacaciones. (Time flew by during our vacation.)

Synonyms of "To Fly" in Spanish

Here are various synonyms of "volar" in Spanish along with their meanings:

  • Echar alas (IPA: /eˈʧar ˈalas/): To spread one's wings. To take flight. Metaphorically, it can also mean to give free rein to one's imagination or creativity.
  • Levantar vuelo (IPA: /leβanˈtar ˈbwelo/): To take off. To become airborne. This phrase is often used to describe the action of an aircraft or a bird lifting off the ground.
  • Alzar el vuelo (IPA: /alˈθar el ˈbwelo/): Similar to "levantar vuelo," this phrase also means to take flight, usually referring to a bird or an aircraft.
  • Remontar vuelo (IPA: /remonˈtar ˈbwelo/): To soar. To ascend. This phrase implies the action of rising higher in the air, often used to describe the flight of birds.
  • Desplegar las alas (IPA: /despleˈɣar las ˈalas/): To unfold the wings. This phrase refers to the action of opening the wings of a bird or an insect before taking flight.
  • Surcar los cielos (IPA: /ˈsurkar los ˈsjelos/): To navigate the skies. This phrase is often used in a poetic or metaphorical context to describe the flight of birds or aircraft across the sky.
  • Volantear (IPA: /bolaɴˈtear/): To fly around. To hover. This word is often used to describe the movement of birds or insects in the air.

—The noun, adjective, and adverb forms of to fly (fly, flying, flighty, flighted, flightless, flyingly, flightlessly, flightily) are analyzed in other MostUsedWords.com blog posts. 

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How to Say "To Fly" in Spanish: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "to fly" in Spanish:

  • Los pájaros vuelan con gracia en el cielo.

(Birds fly gracefully in the sky.)

  • Volaré a Madrid la próxima semana.

(I will fly to Madrid next week.) 

  • Su imaginación la lleva a lugares a los que solo ella puede volar.

(Her imagination takes her to places only she can fly to.) 

  • El tiempo vuela cuando te estás divirtiendo.

(Time flies when you're having fun.) 

  • El piloto maneja el avión con destreza.

(The pilot flies the plane with skill.)

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Conclusion

Mastering the verb "to fly" in Spanish opens up a world of communication possibilities, allowing you to describe both physical and metaphorical movement with finesse. Whether you're discussing the flight of birds, the speed of time, or the excitement of travel, "volar" is a versatile and essential word in your language arsenal. Embrace the variations across regions, and confidently use "volar" to express the exhilarating concept of flight in all its forms.


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