At the A1 level, you only need to know 'bastón' as a simple object: a walking stick. It is a masculine noun ('el bastón'). You might see it in basic sentences describing people. For example, 'El abuelo tiene un bastón' (The grandfather has a cane). It is important to remember that it starts with a 'b' and has an accent on the 'o'. This accent is important because it tells you to stress the end of the word: bas-TÓN. You can use it with colors: 'un bastón negro', 'un bastón café'. At this stage, just think of it as a tool that helps old people walk. It is a very concrete noun, making it easy to visualize. You don't need to worry about the complex meanings yet. Just focus on the spelling and the fact that it is 'un' (masculine). If you see an old man in a picture in your textbook, look for his 'bastón'. It's one of those useful nouns for describing people's appearance and the things they carry.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'bastón' in more descriptive sentences and learn a few specific types. You might talk about 'el bastón de esquí' if you are discussing winter sports, or 'el bastón de senderismo' if you are talking about hiking. You should be able to use verbs like 'necesitar' (to need) or 'usar' (to use) with it. For example: 'Mi abuela necesita un bastón para caminar' (My grandmother needs a cane to walk). You also learn the plural form, 'bastones', and notice that the accent mark disappears. This is a common rule in Spanish for words ending in '-ón'. You might also learn 'bastón blanco', which is the white cane used by blind people. This adds a layer of social awareness to your vocabulary. You can describe what the bastón is made of: 'un bastón de madera' (a wooden cane). At A2, the word moves from being just a label to being part of a functional sentence about health, sports, or daily routines.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'bastón' in various contexts, including metaphorical ones. You understand that 'bastón' can represent support. You might say, 'Él es el bastón de su madre' to mean he is his mother's main support in her old age. You also start to see the word in news or cultural contexts, such as 'el bastón de mando'. This is the ceremonial staff used by mayors or leaders. You should be able to explain the difference between a 'bastón' and a 'muleta' (crutch). A 'bastón' is for balance and light support, while 'muletas' are for when you cannot put weight on a leg. You might also encounter the word in culinary contexts, like 'bastones de zanahoria' (carrot sticks). Your ability to use the word should now include more complex verbs like 'apoyarse en' (to lean on) and 'empuñar' (to wield/grip). You can participate in conversations about accessibility or outdoor hobbies using this word accurately.
At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuance between 'bastón' and its synonyms like 'báculo' or 'cayado'. You know that 'báculo' is more formal or religious, and 'cayado' is specifically for shepherds. You can use 'bastón' in idiomatic ways or understand it in literature. For example, you might read a story where a character 'golpea el suelo con su bastón' to show anger or impatience. You understand the scientific use of 'bastones' as the rods in the human eye. Your grammar should be perfect: you know 'el bastón' vs 'los bastones' and how to use it with various prepositions. You can discuss the symbolic importance of the 'bastón de mando' in political ceremonies across different Spanish-speaking countries. You might also use it in more abstract discussions about disability rights and the importance of the 'bastón blanco' for autonomy. At this level, the word is a flexible tool in your vocabulary, used with precision and an understanding of its various registers.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and symbolic connotations of 'bastón'. You can analyze literary texts, such as those by Lorca, where the 'bastón' serves as a central symbol of authority and repression. You are familiar with historical references, such as the 'bastón de mando' of famous generals or monarchs. You can use the word in sophisticated culinary descriptions or architectural contexts if applicable. You understand the etymology (from the Latin 'bastum') and how it relates to other words in the Romance family. You can use the term 'a bastonazos' to describe a violent action or a metaphorical 'beating' in a debate. Your use of synonyms is precise; you choose 'vara', 'pértiga', or 'báculo' depending on the exact shade of meaning you wish to convey. You are also aware of regional variations and how the word might be used differently in Spain versus Latin America in specific idioms or local traditions.
At the C2 level, 'bastón' is a word you can manipulate with total mastery and poetic flair. You understand its most obscure uses, such as in heraldry or ancient military formations. You can engage in deep cultural critiques regarding the 'bastón de mando' in indigenous 'bastón de mando' ceremonies, understanding the complex social and spiritual structures it represents. You can use the word in highly technical scientific papers about optics (rods and cones) or in high-level political analysis. You are sensitive to the rhythmic and phonological qualities of the word in poetry. You know all the rare idioms and can even invent metaphors using the concept of the 'bastón' that sound natural to a native ear. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, encompassing its physical, metaphorical, symbolic, and technical dimensions across all possible domains of human activity.

bastón 30秒で

  • Bastón means walking stick or cane in Spanish, used for physical support and balance.
  • It also refers to specialized poles for sports like skiing and trekking.
  • In politics, the 'bastón de mando' is a symbolic staff representing authority and leadership.
  • It is a masculine noun ('el bastón') and its plural form is 'los bastones' (no accent).
The Spanish word bastón primarily refers to a walking stick or a cane, an object designed to provide stability, support, and balance to a person while moving. At its most basic level, it is a tool for mobility, often associated with the elderly or individuals recovering from injuries. However, the linguistic and cultural footprint of bastón extends far beyond a simple medical aid. In the context of outdoor activities, it refers to trekking or hiking poles, which are essential for navigating uneven terrain and reducing the impact on one's knees. In the world of sports, particularly skiing, the term is used for ski poles (bastones de esquí), which help the skier maintain rhythm and balance.
Physical Description
A typical bastón consists of a handle (empuñadura), a shaft (caña), and a tip (contera). It can be made of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber depending on its intended use.

El anciano caminaba lentamente por el parque apoyándose en su bastón de madera de roble.

Beyond the physical, the word carries a heavy symbolic weight. Historically, the bastón de mando (staff of office) has been a symbol of authority and leadership. In many Spanish and Latin American municipalities, the mayor (alcalde) receives a ceremonial staff upon taking office, representing their power and responsibility over the community. Similarly, in military contexts, certain ranks or roles might be associated with a baton of command. This dual nature of the word—as both a humble support and a grand symbol of power—makes it a fascinating study in Spanish vocabulary.
Specialized Types
The 'bastón blanco' is the specific term for the white cane used by people who are blind or visually impaired to navigate safely.

Para subir la montaña, es recomendable llevar un par de bastones de senderismo.

In festive contexts, you might hear about the bastón de caramelo during Christmas, which is the direct translation of 'candy cane.' In the world of music, although 'batuta' is the specific word for a conductor's baton, 'bastón' was historically used for larger staffs used to keep time by striking the floor, a practice famously associated with the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. Thus, when you use the word 'bastón,' you are engaging with a term that spans from the most practical medical necessity to the heights of political and artistic expression. Understanding its context is key: if you are at a hospital, it's a cane; if you are on a mountain, it's a pole; if you are at a city hall inauguration, it's a staff of power.
Using bastón correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its common verbal pairings. The most frequent verb associated with it is apoyarse (to lean on). When you say 'Él se apoya en su bastón,' you are describing the physical act of using the cane for balance. Another common verb is llevar (to carry or take), as in 'Siempre lleva su bastón cuando sale a caminar.'
Grammar Note
As a countable noun, it follows standard pluralization rules: 'un bastón' becomes 'dos bastones'. Note the loss of the accent mark in the plural form.

¿Podrías alcanzarme el bastón? Está junto a la puerta.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see the verb empuñar (to grip or wield), especially when referring to a bastón de mando. For instance, 'El general empuñó el bastón con firmeza.' This evokes a sense of authority and readiness. If you are discussing sports, the verb clavar (to stick or drive into) is often used with ski poles: 'Tienes que clavar el bastón antes de iniciar el giro.'
Prepositional Phrases
Common phrases include 'a bastonazos' (beating with a stick) and 'con ayuda de un bastón' (with the help of a cane).

El excursionista perdió un bastón mientras cruzaba el río caudaloso.

When describing the object, adjectives often relate to the material (de madera, de aluminio, de fibra de carbono) or the function (ortopédico, plegable, telescópico). A 'bastón plegable' is a folding cane, popular for travelers, while a 'bastón telescópico' is common in hiking as its height can be adjusted. You can also use it metaphorically to describe a person who provides essential support: 'Mi hijo es mi bastón en la vejez' (My son is my support in my old age). This usage highlights the emotional and functional reliance one person has on another, mirroring the physical reliance on a walking stick. Finally, in technical biology or anatomy, 'bastones' (rods) are the photoreceptor cells in the retina responsible for vision in low light levels, usually mentioned alongside 'conos' (cones). This scientific application demonstrates the word's versatility across different fields of knowledge.
You will encounter the word bastón in a variety of everyday and specialized settings. In a domestic environment, it is frequently used when discussing the needs of older family members. You might hear a grandchild asking, 'Abuela, ¿dónde dejaste tu bastón?' or a doctor advising a patient, 'Después de la cirugía, necesitará usar un bastón por unas semanas.' These are the most common, practical uses of the term.
Outdoor & Sport
In gear shops (tiendas de deportes), you will see sections dedicated to 'bastones de trekking' or 'bastones de esquí'. Salespeople will discuss weight, grip, and shock absorption.

Los ciegos utilizan el bastón blanco para detectar obstáculos en la acera.

In the news or history books, the 'bastón de mando' appears during political transitions. In Spain, after local elections, news reports often feature images of the newly elected mayor holding the staff aloft with the headline 'El nuevo alcalde recibe el bastón de mando.' This is a deeply ingrained cultural image of democratic transition.
In the Streets
Public service announcements regarding accessibility often mention 'personas con bastón' to ensure they are given priority on public transport.

El director de la orquesta solía usar un bastón largo antes de que se popularizara la batuta moderna.

If you are a fan of literature, particularly the works of Federico García Lorca, you will find the 'bastón' used as a potent symbol of patriarchal or tyrannical power. In 'La Casa de Bernarda Alba,' the protagonist Bernarda wields a cane as a sign of her absolute control over her daughters, and its breaking at the end of the play signifies the collapse of that authority. In the world of gastronomy, you might see 'bastones de berenjena' (eggplant sticks) or 'bastones de yuca' on a menu, referring to the way the vegetables are sliced into long, thin rectangular pieces, similar to French fries but usually thicker. This culinary usage shows how the physical shape of a walking stick has influenced descriptive language in the kitchen. Whether you are in a doctor's office, a mountain trail, a political ceremony, a theater, or a restaurant, the word 'bastón' is likely to make an appearance, each time carrying a slightly different shade of meaning but always rooted in its fundamental shape and function.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing bastón with other types of sticks. For example, a 'stick' found in the woods is a palo or a rama (branch), not a bastón unless it has been fashioned into a walking aid. Using 'bastón' for a random twig on the ground sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Bastón vs. Muleta
A 'muleta' is a crutch. If someone has a broken leg and needs two supports that go under the arms or wrap around the forearms, they are using 'muletas', not 'bastones'.

Error: 'Recogí un bastón del suelo del bosque para jugar con mi perro.' (Correct: palo)

Another mistake involves gender and pluralization. Since it ends in '-ón', it is masculine (el bastón). When pluralizing, many learners forget to remove the written accent: los bastones. Adding an accent to the plural form (*bastónes) is a common spelling error.
Confusion with 'Batuta'
While 'bastón' can refer to a large ceremonial staff, the small, light stick used by an orchestra conductor is strictly a 'batuta'. Calling it a 'bastón' in a modern musical context is technically incorrect.

Incorrecto: El maestro dirigió la sinfonía con su bastón. (Correcto: batuta)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the term 'bastón de caramelo'. They might try to translate 'candy cane' literally as 'caramelo de bastón' or 'caña de dulce'. In Spanish, it is 'bastón de caramelo' (stick of candy). Furthermore, when talking about relay races in athletics, the 'baton' passed between runners is called a testigo (witness) in Spanish, not a 'bastón'. This is a classic false friend for those thinking of the English word 'baton'. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'meter el bastón'. While not a common idiom, 'meter el palo' or 'meter la pata' are more frequent for 'messing up' or 'interfering'. If you want to say someone is interfering, the idiom is 'poner palos en las ruedas' (to put sticks in the wheels), not 'bastones'. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more authentic and precise.
While bastón is the most versatile term, several other words describe similar objects depending on their form and function. Understanding these nuances will greatly enrich your vocabulary.
Báculo
This refers to a shepherd's crook or a bishop's crosier. It is usually longer than a bastón and often has a curved top. It carries a strong religious or pastoral connotation.
Cayado
Very similar to 'báculo', a 'cayado' is specifically the hooked staff used by shepherds. It is rustic and typically made of a single piece of wood.

El obispo portaba un báculo de plata durante la procesión, mientras que el pastor usaba un cayado de madera.

Vara
A 'vara' is a long, thin rod or stick. It is less about support and more about reaching, pointing, or historically, measurement (the 'vara' was an old unit of length). In some regions, a 'vara' is also a symbol of authority, like the 'vara de mando'.
Garrote
A 'garrote' is a thick, heavy club or stick. While it can be used for walking in rural areas, it often implies a weapon or a much more robust, unrefined tool than a 'bastón'.

Para caminar por el monte, prefiero un garrote resistente que un bastón moderno de aluminio.

In a metaphorical sense, if you want to talk about support, you can use apoyo, sostén, or pilar. 'Él es el pilar de la familia' (He is the pillar of the family) is more common than using 'bastón' in that specific figurative way, though 'bastón' is still used to emphasize the idea of someone helping another through a 'weak' period like old age. In technical settings, you might hear pértiga (pole, as in pole vaulting) or mástil (mast). By choosing the right word from this list, you demonstrate a deeper mastery of Spanish nuance. For instance, calling a bishop's staff a 'bastón' isn't 'wrong', but calling it a 'báculo' shows you understand the ecclesiastical context. Likewise, using 'bastones' for skiing is mandatory; using 'palos' would make you sound like a complete novice.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word is related to 'baste' in sewing and 'bastion' in military architecture, all sharing the root idea of 'building' or 'supporting'.

発音ガイド

UK /basˈton/
US /bæsˈtoʊn/
The stress is on the last syllable (ton) because of the written accent mark.
韻が合う語
corazón canción avión camión limón ratón balón salón
よくある間違い
  • Stressing the first syllable (BAs-ton) like in English.
  • Pronouncing the 'n' too weakly.
  • Failing to produce a pure 'o' sound.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, very common in literature and news.

ライティング 3/5

The accent on the singular and its loss in the plural can be tricky.

スピーキング 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the final 'n' should be clear.

リスニング 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to hear in medical or sports contexts.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

palo madera caminar ayuda mano

次に学ぶ

muleta báculo cayado equilibrio anciano

上級

esquiar senderismo autoridad ceremonia retina

知っておくべき文法

Accentuation of words ending in -ón

Bastón (singular) -> Bastones (plural). The accent is removed because the stress shifts.

Noun-Adjective Agreement

El bastón negro (masculine) / La vara negra (feminine).

Use of 'de' to indicate material

Un bastón de madera, un bastón de aluminio.

Reflexive verbs for physical actions

Apoyarse en el bastón (to lean on the cane).

Prepositional usage for instruments

Caminar con bastón (to walk with a cane).

レベル別の例文

1

El abuelo tiene un bastón.

The grandfather has a cane.

Masculine singular noun with 'el'.

2

Es un bastón de madera.

It is a wooden cane.

'De madera' describes the material.

3

Yo veo el bastón negro.

I see the black cane.

Adjective 'negro' follows the noun.

4

El bastón está en la mesa.

The cane is on the table.

Use of 'estar' for location.

5

Mi abuela usa un bastón.

My grandmother uses a cane.

Verb 'usar' in present tense.

6

Es un bastón pequeño.

It is a small cane.

Adjective agreement (masculine).

7

El bastón es para caminar.

The cane is for walking.

'Para' indicates purpose.

8

Tengo dos bastones.

I have two canes.

Plural form 'bastones' loses the accent.

1

Necesito un bastón para ir a la montaña.

I need a pole to go to the mountain.

Context of hiking/trekking.

2

Los bastones de esquí son azules.

The ski poles are blue.

Plural agreement with the adjective 'azules'.

3

Ella camina con un bastón blanco.

She walks with a white cane.

'Bastón blanco' is a specific term.

4

Mi padre compró un bastón plegable.

My father bought a folding cane.

'Plegable' is an adjective for 'foldable'.

5

No dejes el bastón en el suelo.

Don't leave the cane on the floor.

Imperative 'no dejes'.

6

El bastón le ayuda a mantener el equilibrio.

The cane helps him maintain balance.

'Le ayuda' (indirect object pronoun).

7

¿Es este tu bastón?

Is this your cane?

Possessive adjective 'tu'.

8

Los bastones son de aluminio ligero.

The poles are made of light aluminum.

Describing material and weight.

1

El senderista se apoyó en su bastón para descansar.

The hiker leaned on his pole to rest.

Reflexive verb 'apoyarse'.

2

El alcalde recibió el bastón de mando en la ceremonia.

The mayor received the staff of office in the ceremony.

'Bastón de mando' as a symbol of authority.

3

Para esta receta, corta las patatas en bastones.

For this recipe, cut the potatoes into sticks.

Culinary use of the word.

4

A pesar de su edad, no quiere usar bastón.

Despite his age, he doesn't want to use a cane.

Omitting the article 'un' in some contexts.

5

El bastón tiene una empuñadura ergonómica.

The cane has an ergonomic handle.

'Empuñadura' is the specific word for handle.

6

Perdí un bastón de esquí en el telesilla.

I lost a ski pole on the ski lift.

Past tense 'perdí'.

7

El médico le recomendó un bastón de cuatro patas.

The doctor recommended a quad cane.

'De cuatro patas' (quad cane).

8

Ella es el bastón de su abuelo enfermo.

She is her sick grandfather's support.

Metaphorical use for 'support'.

1

El ciego movía su bastón rítmicamente para detectar obstáculos.

The blind man moved his cane rhythmically to detect obstacles.

Adverb 'rítmicamente'.

2

El bastón de mando pasó de un líder a otro.

The staff of office passed from one leader to another.

Symbolic transfer of power.

3

La retina contiene conos y bastones para procesar la luz.

The retina contains cones and rods to process light.

Scientific/Anatomical use.

4

El anciano golpeó el suelo con su bastón para llamar la atención.

The old man struck the floor with his cane to get attention.

Action verb 'golpear'.

5

Es un bastón telescópico que cabe en la mochila.

It is a telescopic pole that fits in the backpack.

'Telescópico' means adjustable/collapsible.

6

El artesano talla bastones personalizados con madera de olivo.

The craftsman carves personalized canes with olive wood.

Verb 'tallar' (to carve).

7

Sin su bastón, se siente muy inseguro al caminar.

Without his cane, he feels very insecure walking.

Preposition 'sin'.

8

Compramos unos bastones de caramelo para decorar el árbol.

We bought some candy canes to decorate the tree.

'Bastones de caramelo' (candy canes).

1

Bernarda Alba empuña el bastón como símbolo de su tiranía.

Bernarda Alba wields the cane as a symbol of her tyranny.

Literary analysis context.

2

El general no soltaba su bastón de mando ni un segundo.

The general wouldn't let go of his staff of office for a second.

Emphasis using 'ni un segundo'.

3

Los bastones de la retina son cruciales para la visión escotópica.

The rods of the retina are crucial for scotopic vision.

Technical/Scientific register.

4

El mendigo llevaba un bastón tosco y desgastado por el tiempo.

The beggar carried a coarse cane worn by time.

Descriptive adjectives 'tosco' and 'desgastado'.

5

El guía nos enseñó a usar los bastones para proteger las rodillas.

The guide taught us how to use the poles to protect our knees.

Infinitive 'proteger' after 'para'.

6

La autoridad del patriarca se manifestaba a través de su bastón.

The patriarch's authority was manifested through his cane.

Abstract concept of authority.

7

Se sirve el plato acompañado de bastones de berenjena frita.

The dish is served accompanied by fried eggplant sticks.

Passive voice 'se sirve'.

8

El bastón de mando indígena representa la ley y la armonía.

The indigenous staff of office represents law and harmony.

Cultural/Anthropological context.

1

El báculo del peregrino difería sutilmente de un bastón ordinario.

The pilgrim's staff differed subtly from an ordinary cane.

Nuanced comparison using 'báculo'.

2

La fractura del bastón simboliza la quiebra del orden establecido.

The breaking of the cane symbolizes the collapse of the established order.

Metaphorical/Symbolic interpretation.

3

Empuñar el bastón de mando conlleva una responsabilidad ineludible.

Wielding the staff of office carries an inescapable responsibility.

High-level vocabulary: 'ineludible'.

4

Los bastones de senderismo de alta gama utilizan aleaciones aeroespaciales.

High-end hiking poles use aerospace alloys.

Technical register: 'aleaciones aeroespaciales'.

5

El anciano, erguido sobre su bastón, parecía una estatua de sabiduría.

The old man, upright on his cane, looked like a statue of wisdom.

Poetic/Literary description.

6

La visión nocturna depende íntegramente de la salud de los bastones.

Night vision depends entirely on the health of the rods.

Adverb 'íntegramente'.

7

Aquel bastón no era sino una extensión de su propia voluntad férrea.

That cane was nothing but an extension of his own iron will.

Complex structure 'no era sino'.

8

El rito de entrega del bastón de mando está envuelto en solemnidad.

The rite of handing over the staff of office is shrouded in solemnity.

Abstract noun 'solemnidad'.

よく使う組み合わせ

apoyarse en el bastón
bastón de mando
bastón de esquí
bastón blanco
bastón plegable
empuñar el bastón
bastón de trekking
bastón de caramelo
golpear con el bastón
bastón ortopédico

よく使うフレーズ

a bastonazos

— To do something by hitting with a stick or in a very rough, forceful manner.

Los guardias dispersaron a la multitud a bastonazos.

ser el bastón de alguien

— To be someone's main support or help, especially during a difficult time or old age.

Desde que murió su esposo, su hija ha sido su bastón.

soltar el bastón

— Literally to drop the cane, or figuratively to give up power/authority.

El viejo rey finalmente soltó el bastón de mando.

meter el bastón

— A rare variant of 'meter el palo', meaning to interfere or cause trouble.

No metas el bastón en asuntos que no te incumben.

llevar el bastón

— To be in charge or to lead a group.

En esa familia, la abuela es quien lleva el bastón.

bastón de ciego

— Another way to refer to the white cane used by the blind.

El bastón de ciego es una herramienta de autonomía.

perder el bastón

— To lose one's support or to become unstable.

Sin su fe, sintió que había perdido su bastón en la vida.

bastón de estoque

— A sword-cane, a walking stick containing a hidden blade.

El caballero llevaba un bastón de estoque por seguridad.

un par de bastones

— Refers specifically to hiking or ski poles which are used in pairs.

Necesitas un par de bastones para esta ruta.

apoyar el bastón

— The act of placing the cane on the ground for support.

Apoya bien el bastón antes de dar el paso.

よく混同される語

bastón vs muleta

A crutch. Provides more support and is used for injuries where no weight can be put on the leg.

bastón vs palo

A generic stick. A bastón is a specifically crafted tool for support.

bastón vs batuta

A conductor's baton. Much smaller and lighter than a bastón.

慣用句と表現

"Meter el bastón entre las ruedas"

— To deliberately obstruct or sabotage someone's progress or plans.

La competencia intentó meter el bastón entre las ruedas de nuestro proyecto.

informal
"Tener el bastón de mando"

— To have the ultimate authority or control in a situation.

En esta oficina, el gerente es quien tiene el bastón de mando.

neutral
"Ser el bastón de su vejez"

— To be the person who cares for and supports an elderly relative.

Su nieto prometió ser el bastón de su vejez.

literary
"A bastonazo limpio"

— To resolve a conflict through physical force or very harsh measures.

Arreglaron sus diferencias a bastonazo limpio.

informal
"No soltar el bastón"

— To refuse to give up power or a position of authority.

El dictador no soltó el bastón hasta su muerte.

formal
"Andar con bastón"

— To be in a state of physical weakness or to be very old.

Ya anda con bastón, se le nota el paso de los años.

neutral
"Bastón de doble punta"

— Something that can have two opposite effects, usually negative and positive.

Esa decisión es un bastón de doble punta.

rare/literary
"Cambio de bastón"

— A change in leadership or administration.

Tras las elecciones, hubo un cambio de bastón en el ayuntamiento.

journalistic
"Empuñar el bastón"

— To take over leadership or to start exercising authority.

Es hora de que alguien joven empuñe el bastón en esta empresa.

formal
"Dejar el bastón"

— To retire or step down from a position of power.

El veterano político decidió dejar el bastón y retirarse al campo.

neutral

間違えやすい

bastón vs batón

Similar spelling.

A 'batón' is a dressing gown or a long robe, while a 'bastón' is a stick.

Se puso el batón al salir de la cama, pero olvidó su bastón.

bastón vs basto

Same root.

'Basto' is an adjective meaning coarse or rude, or a suit in playing cards.

Es un hombre basto que usa un bastón de madera tosca.

bastón vs bastión

Phonetically similar.

A 'bastión' is a military stronghold or bastion.

El bastión fue defendido por soldados armados con bastones.

bastón vs testigo

English 'baton' in races.

In a relay race, the object passed is a 'testigo', not a 'bastón'.

El corredor pasó el testigo con éxito.

bastón vs caña

Both can mean 'rod/stick'.

'Caña' is usually a reed, a fishing rod, or a glass of beer.

Dejó la caña de pescar para apoyarse en su bastón.

文型パターン

A1

El [noun] tiene un bastón.

El abuelo tiene un bastón.

A2

[Subject] usa un bastón para [infinitive].

Ella usa un bastón para caminar.

B1

Es importante llevar [plural noun] para [activity].

Es importante llevar bastones para el senderismo.

B1

[Person] se apoya en el bastón.

El hombre se apoya en el bastón.

B2

El bastón de mando simboliza [abstract noun].

El bastón de mando simboliza el poder político.

B2

Corta el/la [food] en bastones.

Corta la zanahoria en bastones.

C1

Aquel bastón no era más que [noun/phrase].

Aquel bastón no era más que un recuerdo de su padre.

C2

Bajo la apariencia de un simple bastón, se escondía [noun].

Bajo la apariencia de un simple bastón, se escondía una espada.

語族

名詞

bastoncillo (small stick/swab)
bastonazo (blow with a stick)
bastonada (series of blows)
bastonero (person who carries a staff)

動詞

bastonear (to hit with a stick or to direct/lead)

形容詞

bastoneado (striped or struck with a stick)

関連

palo
vara
muleta
báculo
cayado

使い方

frequency

Common in daily life, sports, and news.

よくある間違い
  • Using 'bastón' for a twig. palo

    A 'bastón' is a finished product or a specific tool. A natural stick is a 'palo'.

  • Writing 'bastónes'. bastones

    Plural words ending in -es from -ón lose the accent.

  • Calling a crutch a 'bastón'. muleta

    Crutches (muletas) provide more support than a cane (bastón).

  • Using 'bastón' for a relay race baton. testigo

    In athletics, the passed object is called a 'testigo'.

  • Saying 'el bastón de orquesta'. la batuta

    A conductor uses a 'batuta', which is small and light.

ヒント

Plural Spelling

Always remember to drop the accent mark: bastón -> bastones. This applies to many Spanish words like canción, avión, and camión.

Hiking context

If you go hiking, always use the plural 'bastones' because you typically use two for better balance and knee protection.

Symbol of Power

The 'bastón de mando' is more than a stick; it's a legal symbol. In Spain, the moment the mayor holds it is the most important part of the inauguration.

Blindness awareness

The 'bastón blanco' is a universal symbol. In some countries, a 'bastón verde' is used for people with low vision (not total blindness).

Cooking Shapes

When a recipe says 'cortar en bastones', think of thick matchsticks or French fry shapes about 5-6 cm long.

The final N

Don't let the 'n' disappear. It should be a crisp, nasal 'n' at the very end of the word after the stressed 'o'.

Correct Height

A 'bastón' should reach the height of your wrist when you are standing straight. This is a good fact to know if you're translating for someone in a pharmacy.

Supportive People

Calling someone 'mi bastón' is a very high compliment in Spanish, implying they are the reason you are still standing.

Latin Roots

Knowing it comes from 'bastum' (support) helps you link it to other words like 'basta' (enough/stop - providing a limit/support).

Visualizing

Associate the word with the shape of the letter 'J' turned upside down; that's the classic silhouette of a 'bastón'.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine a **B**ig **A**ged **S**enior **T**apping **O**n a **N**ew pavement with a **Bastón**.

視覚的連想

Picture a mountain hiker with two sleek poles and an old man with a wooden cane; both are holding a 'bastón'.

Word Web

madera apoyo caminar abuelo esquí mando blanco trekking

チャレンジ

Try to find three different objects in your house that could be called a 'bastón' (e.g., a broom handle, a decorative stick, a real cane) and label them.

語源

From the Late Latin 'bastum' (pack-saddle or support), which likely came from the Greek 'bastazo' (to carry or support).

元の意味: A support used for carrying loads or supporting weight.

Romance (Spanish)

文化的な背景

Be respectful when discussing the 'bastón blanco' for the visually impaired; it is a tool of independence, not a sign of helplessness.

In English, 'baton' usually refers to a conductor's stick or a relay race stick, whereas 'bastón' in Spanish covers those plus walking canes and hiking poles.

Bernarda Alba's cane in Lorca's play. The 'bastón de mando' of the Spanish King. Gandalf's staff (often translated as 'báculo' but sometimes 'bastón').

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

At the doctor's office

  • ¿Necesito usar bastón?
  • ¿Es mejor un bastón o una muleta?
  • Me duele la cadera al apoyar el bastón.
  • Un bastón de altura regulable.

On a hiking trail

  • Ajusta la longitud de tus bastones.
  • No olvides los bastones para la bajada.
  • Estos bastones son de carbono.
  • Se me rompió la punta del bastón.

At a political event

  • La entrega del bastón de mando.
  • El alcalde juró el cargo con el bastón.
  • Un bastón de plata y madera noble.
  • Símbolo de la autoridad municipal.

In a Christmas shop

  • ¿Tienen bastones de caramelo?
  • Quiero diez bastones para el árbol.
  • Bastones de rayas rojas y blancas.
  • Dulces con forma de bastón.

Talking about the elderly

  • Mi abuelo no sale sin su bastón.
  • Le compramos un bastón con luz.
  • Ha perdido el equilibrio y ahora usa bastón.
  • Es un bastón muy elegante.

会話のきっかけ

"¿Alguna vez has usado bastones para hacer senderismo en la montaña?"

"¿Crees que el bastón de mando sigue siendo un símbolo importante hoy en día?"

"¿Conoces a alguien que use un bastón blanco para orientarse?"

"¿Te gustan los bastones de caramelo que venden en Navidad?"

"¿Qué material crees que es mejor para un bastón: madera o metal?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a un personaje anciano que siempre lleva un bastón misterioso. ¿Qué secretos esconde el bastón?

Escribe sobre una vez que fuiste de excursión. ¿Te ayudaron los bastones a subir o bajar la montaña?

Imagina que recibes el 'bastón de mando' de tu ciudad. ¿Qué es lo primero que cambiarías?

Reflexiona sobre la importancia del bastón blanco como herramienta de libertad para las personas ciegas.

¿Cómo cambiaría tu movilidad si tuvieras que depender de un bastón a partir de mañana?

よくある質問

10 問

Un bastón se usa con una sola mano para dar equilibrio y soporte ligero. Una muleta suele usarse en parejas y ofrece un soporte mucho mayor, permitiendo que el usuario no apoye una pierna lesionada en absoluto.

En español, las palabras agudas que terminan en 'n' llevan tilde. Al pasar al plural, 'bastones' se convierte en una palabra llana terminada en 's', y según las reglas de acentuación, estas no llevan tilde si el acento recae en la penúltima sílaba.

Es un objeto ceremonial que simboliza la autoridad de un cargo, como un alcalde o un jefe militar. Se entrega durante las tomas de posesión.

Se dice 'bastón de caramelo'. Es un dulce típico de la época navideña con forma de bastón.

Sí, de hecho es el término correcto. En plural se dice 'los bastones de esquí'.

Es el bastón específico que utilizan las personas con discapacidad visual para detectar obstáculos y orientarse al caminar por la vía pública.

Se usa 'báculo' en contextos religiosos (el báculo del obispo) o literarios muy formales. También se usa metafóricamente para referirse al apoyo moral.

Significa dar golpes con un bastón o, de forma figurada, hacer algo con mucha fuerza y poca delicadeza.

Son fotorreceptores de la retina que permiten ver en condiciones de baja luminosidad. En inglés se llaman 'rods'.

Tradicionalmente era la madera (roble, castaño), pero hoy en día los de aluminio y fibra de carbono son muy populares por ser ligeros y resistentes.

自分をテスト 179 問

writing

Describe para qué sirve un bastón en dos frases.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'bastón de mando'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Explica la diferencia entre un bastón y una muleta.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Qué es un bastón blanco y quién lo usa?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase metafórica con la palabra bastón.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe los bastones de esquí.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el senderismo y los bastones.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Qué materiales se usan para fabricar bastones modernos?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Crea un diálogo corto entre un abuelo y su nieto sobre un bastón.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe sobre el simbolismo del bastón en la literatura.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Qué es un bastón de caramelo?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe las partes de un bastón.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase con el plural 'bastones'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Qué significa 'a bastonazos'?

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre un bastón de mando indígena.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre los bastones de la retina.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe un bastón antiguo.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Por qué es útil un bastón plegable?

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'empuñar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia la palabra: bastón.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia la palabra: bastones.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dí una frase: 'Mi abuelo usa bastón'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dí una frase: 'Necesito mis bastones de esquí'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explica brevemente qué es un bastón de mando.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dí una frase: 'El bastón blanco ayuda a los ciegos'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronuncia: 'empuñadura del bastón'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dí una frase: 'Corta las zanahorias en bastones'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia: 'bastón de caramelo'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dí una frase: 'Él se apoya en su bastón'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dí una frase: 'Llevo dos bastones de trekking'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explica por qué los excursionistas usan bastones.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dí una frase: 'El bastón es de fibra de carbono'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia: 'báculo episcopal'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dí una frase: 'No me des un bastonazo'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explica el uso de los bastones en la retina.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dí una frase: 'El alcalde juró con el bastón'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronuncia: 'bastón telescópico'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dí una frase: 'El bastón tiene una contera de goma'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Dí una frase: 'El mendigo caminaba con un bastón tosco'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

¿Qué objeto menciona el hablante? 'Ayer perdí mi bastón en el parque.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Escucha y elige: 'Los bastones son azules.' ¿De qué color son?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Cuántos bastones tiene? 'Tengo un par de bastones nuevos.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Para qué deporte son? 'Necesito los bastones para esquiar mañana.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Qué parte del bastón se rompió? 'Se rompió la empuñadura de mi bastón.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Quién recibió el bastón? 'El nuevo alcalde recibió el bastón de mando.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿De qué material es? 'Es un bastón de aluminio muy ligero.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Qué tipo de bastón es? 'Es un bastón plegable que cabe en el bolso.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

¿Qué bastón usa el ciego? 'El ciego usa su bastón blanco con destreza.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

¿Qué acción realiza el anciano? 'El anciano golpea el suelo con su bastón.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

¿Cómo se llama el golpe? 'Le dio un bastonazo sin querer.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

¿Qué ingrediente se corta en bastones? 'Corta el calabacín en bastones finos.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

¿De quién era el bastón? 'Este bastón perteneció a mi abuelo.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

¿Dónde está el bastón? 'El bastón está apoyado en la pared.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

¿Qué bastón lleva el obispo? 'El obispo portaba un báculo dorado.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 179 correct

Perfect score!

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