vapor in 30 Seconds
- Vapor is the Spanish word for steam or vapor. It is a masculine noun (el vapor) used in cooking, science, and history.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'al vapor' to describe steamed food, a healthy and popular cooking method in Spanish-speaking cultures.
- It also refers to the gas produced by boiling water, essential for understanding the water cycle and industrial machinery like steam engines.
- Be careful not to confuse it with 'humo' (smoke from fire) or 'vaho' (the specific mist from breath or condensation).
The Spanish word vapor is a masculine noun that primarily refers to the gaseous state of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature. In most everyday contexts, especially for English speakers learning Spanish, it refers specifically to water vapor or steam. It is an essential word for discussing science, cooking, weather, and technology. Unlike English, where we might distinguish between 'steam' (hot, visible) and 'vapor' (scientific term), Spanish often uses the single word 'vapor' to cover both concepts, though context clarifies the temperature and state.
- Physical State
- In a scientific sense, it describes matter in a gas phase. You will see this in textbooks discussing the 'estado gaseoso' or 'ciclo del agua'. For example, when water boils, it turns into 'vapor de agua'.
El vapor que sale de la olla está muy caliente.
- Culinary Usage
- This is perhaps the most common way A2 learners encounter the word. 'Cocinar al vapor' means to steam food. It is considered a healthy cooking method and is a staple phrase in menus and recipes.
- Meteorological Context
- In weather reports, 'vapor de agua' is used to describe humidity levels in the atmosphere. It can also refer to the mist or haze seen over a lake early in the morning, though 'niebla' is more common for thick fog.
Había una fina capa de vapor sobre el río al amanecer.
Beyond the physical, 'vapor' appears in historical and metaphorical contexts. Historically, a 'vapor' was a steamship. In literature, it can represent something ephemeral or fleeting—something that vanishes into thin air. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it bridges the gap between the mundane kitchen experience and the complex industrial history of the steam engine ('máquina de vapor').
Using the word vapor correctly involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and its common prepositional pairings. It is almost always preceded by the article 'el' or 'un'. In sentence construction, it frequently acts as the subject of verbs like 'salir' (to come out), 'subir' (to rise), or 'condensarse' (to condense).
- As a Subject
- When describing the physical action of steam, place it at the beginning of the clause. 'El vapor empañó mis gafas' (The steam fogged up my glasses).
El vapor de la ducha llenó todo el cuarto de baño.
- In Prepositional Phrases
- The most common construction is 'al vapor'. This is used with verbs of cooking or preparation. 'Prefiero las verduras al vapor' (I prefer steamed vegetables). Note that 'al' is a contraction of 'a + el'.
- Describing Machinery
- When talking about technology, it often follows the noun it modifies using 'de'. 'Una locomotora de vapor' (A steam locomotive). This specifies the power source.
Antiguamente, los barcos de vapor cruzaban el océano Atlántico.
In more advanced usage, 'vapor' can be used with verbs of perception. 'Se podía ver el vapor de su aliento en el frío aire de la mañana' (One could see the steam of his breath in the cold morning air). This demonstrates how 'vapor' is used to describe the visible condensation of moisture.
You will encounter vapor in a variety of daily settings in Spanish-speaking countries. From the kitchen to the spa, and from history books to modern industrial sites, the word is ubiquitous. It’s important to recognize the auditory cues associated with it.
- In the Kitchen (La Cocina)
- Chefs and home cooks use it constantly. You'll hear: 'Ten cuidado con el vapor al abrir la tapa' (Be careful with the steam when opening the lid). It's a safety warning as much as a cooking term.
Puse el pescado a cocinar al vapor con un poco de limón.
- Wellness and Health (Salud y Bienestar)
- In a 'gimnasio' or 'balneario', you might hear about the 'baño de vapor' (steam bath/sauna). It’s a common recommendation for relaxation or clearing the sinuses.
- In Science and Education
- Teachers use it to explain the water cycle. 'La evaporación convierte el agua en vapor'. It’s a foundational term in any basic science curriculum in the Spanish-speaking world.
La presión del vapor hace que la turbina gire rápidamente.
Finally, in cities with older infrastructure or during cold winters, you might hear people comment on the 'vapor' rising from manholes or their own breath. It is a word that captures both the industrial power of the past and the simple physics of daily life.
While vapor seems straightforward, English speakers often trip up on its gender, its distinction from similar substances, and its specific idiomatic uses. Avoiding these will make your Spanish sound much more natural.
- Gender Confusion
- Many learners assume words ending in '-or' might be feminine (like 'flor'), but 'vapor' is strictly masculine. Always use 'el vapor', never 'la vapor'.
Incorrect: La vapor está caliente. Correct: El vapor está caliente.
- Vapor vs. Humo
- This is the most common semantic error. 'Vapor' is steam/moisture. 'Humo' is smoke from a fire. If you say 'hay mucho vapor' when a house is on fire, people will be very confused. Use 'humo' for combustion and 'vapor' for evaporation.
- Vapor vs. Vaho
- 'Vaho' is the specific mist created by breathing on a cold surface (like a window). While 'vapor' is technically correct, using 'vaho' for 'breath-mist' shows a higher level of fluency.
No confundas el vapor de la plancha con el humo de un cigarrillo.
Lastly, be careful with the idiom 'a todo vapor'. English speakers might say 'at full steam', but in Spanish, we don't say 'en todo vapor'. The preposition 'a' is essential here to indicate speed or intensity.
To truly master vapor, you should know the words that surround it in the semantic field of gases and mists. Spanish has several specific terms for different types of airborne moisture.
- Vaho
- Specifically refers to the mist from breath or the thin condensation on a mirror. It is more intimate and localized than 'vapor'.
- Niebla
- This is 'fog'. It is atmospheric and covers large areas. While fog is made of water vapor, the word 'niebla' focuses on the lack of visibility it causes.
- Bruma
- A sea mist or a very light haze. It is often used in literary contexts to create a mysterious atmosphere.
La bruma del mar es más salada que el vapor del agua dulce.
- Gas
- A more general scientific term. All 'vapor' is 'gas', but not all 'gas' (like oxygen or natural gas) is 'vapor'.
El vapor de agua es el gas más abundante en la atmósfera.
Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation, moving beyond basic A2 Spanish into more descriptive B1 and B2 levels.
How Formal Is It?
"La emisión de vapor de la planta industrial cumple con las normativas."
"El vapor de agua es un componente clave de la atmósfera."
"¡Cuidado! Te vas a quemar con el vapor de la pasta."
"Mira cómo baila el vapor encima de tu chocolate caliente."
"Ese tío va a todo vapor con su coche nuevo."
Fun Fact
In the 19th century, the word 'vapor' was so synonymous with the new steamships that people stopped saying 'barco de vapor' and just said 'el vapor', much like we say 'the bus' instead of 'the omnibus' today.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (with teeth on lips). In Spanish, it's more bilabial.
- Stressing the first syllable (VA-por) like in English. In Spanish, it must be va-POR.
- Making the 'o' sound like a 'u' at the end.
- Not tapping the 'r' at the end.
- Pronouncing the 'a' as a schwa (neutral sound). It must be a clear 'ah'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize due to English cognate.
Simple spelling, just remember the masculine gender.
Stress on the last syllable is the main challenge.
Clear sound, but don't confuse with 'humo' in fast speech.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Nouns ending in -or are usually masculine.
El vapor, el color, el calor.
Contraction of 'a + el' into 'al'.
Cocinar al vapor (a + el vapor).
Stress on the last syllable for words ending in 'r'.
va-POR.
Use of 'de' to indicate the source or type of vapor.
Vapor de agua, vapor de mercurio.
Adjective agreement with masculine nouns.
Vapor caliente, vapores tóxicos.
Examples by Level
El agua caliente tiene vapor.
The hot water has steam.
Simple subject + verb + noun.
Mira el vapor de la sopa.
Look at the steam from the soup.
Use of 'de' to show origin.
El vapor es blanco.
The steam is white.
Noun + linking verb + adjective.
No toques el vapor, quema.
Don't touch the steam, it burns.
Imperative negative.
Hay vapor en la cocina.
There is steam in the kitchen.
Use of 'hay' for existence.
El vapor sube al cielo.
The steam goes up to the sky.
Action verb 'subir'.
Me gusta el vapor del café.
I like the steam of the coffee.
Verb 'gustar' construction.
El vapor es agua.
Steam is water.
Defining a noun.
Cocino las verduras al vapor.
I cook the vegetables by steaming.
Phrase 'al vapor' (steamed).
La plancha usa vapor para la ropa.
The iron uses steam for the clothes.
Noun as a tool.
El vapor empaña el espejo.
The steam fogs up the mirror.
Transitive verb 'empañar'.
Necesito un baño de vapor.
I need a steam bath.
Compound noun 'baño de vapor'.
El vapor sale de la tetera.
The steam comes out of the kettle.
Verb 'salir' + 'de'.
Hay mucho vapor en el sauna.
There is a lot of steam in the sauna.
Quantifier 'mucho'.
El vapor de agua forma nubes.
Water vapor forms clouds.
Scientific fact.
Cuidado con el vapor caliente.
Careful with the hot steam.
Adjective agreement (masculine).
Watt inventó la máquina de vapor.
Watt invented the steam engine.
Historical term.
El vapor se condensa en la ventana.
The steam condenses on the window.
Reflexive verb 'condensarse'.
Los barcos de vapor eran lentos.
Steamships were slow.
Plural noun usage.
El vapor de la caldera es peligroso.
The steam from the boiler is dangerous.
Specific technical context.
La fábrica emite vapor blanco.
The factory emits white steam.
Verb 'emitir'.
El vapor desapareció rápidamente.
The steam disappeared quickly.
Preterite tense.
Limpio el suelo con vapor.
I clean the floor with steam.
Instrumental use of 'con'.
El vapor tiene mucha presión.
The steam has a lot of pressure.
Abstract property.
Estamos trabajando a todo vapor.
We are working at full steam.
Idiomatic expression.
El vapor se elevaba sobre el lago.
The steam was rising over the lake.
Imperfect tense for description.
La turbina gira gracias al vapor.
The turbine rotates thanks to the steam.
Causal phrase 'gracias al'.
Sus palabras se esfumaron como vapor.
His words vanished like steam.
Simile with 'como'.
El vapor saturado es esencial aquí.
Saturated steam is essential here.
Technical adjective 'saturado'.
El viejo vapor atracó en el puerto.
The old steamship docked in the port.
Noun used as a shorthand for 'barco de vapor'.
Inhalar vapor ayuda a respirar.
Inhaling steam helps with breathing.
Infinitive as subject.
La presión de vapor es constante.
The vapor pressure is constant.
Scientific terminology.
El efluvio de vapor envolvía la ciudad.
The exhalation of steam enveloped the city.
Sophisticated vocabulary 'efluvio'.
La destilación por vapor es un proceso complejo.
Steam distillation is a complex process.
Specialized process name.
El vapor emanaba de las grietas.
Steam was emanating from the cracks.
Verb 'emanar'.
Había una sutil cortina de vapor.
There was a subtle curtain of steam.
Metaphorical noun 'cortina'.
El motor de vapor cambió la historia.
The steam engine changed history.
Historical analysis.
El vapor se disipó con el viento.
The steam dissipated with the wind.
Reflexive verb 'disiparse'.
La humedad se convirtió en vapor.
The humidity turned into vapor.
Transformation verb 'convertirse en'.
El vapor invisibilizaba el horizonte.
The steam made the horizon invisible.
Complex verb 'invisibilizar'.
La etérea naturaleza del vapor fascina.
The ethereal nature of steam fascinates.
High-level adjective 'etérea'.
Vapores mefíticos surgían del pantano.
Mephitic vapors arose from the swamp.
Archaic/Literary adjective 'mefíticos'.
El vapor, cual fantasma, recorría el pasillo.
The steam, like a ghost, traversed the hallway.
Literary 'cual' as 'como'.
Se analizó la entalpía del vapor.
The enthalpy of the steam was analyzed.
Advanced thermodynamic term.
El vapor condensado goteaba rítmicamente.
The condensed steam dripped rhythmically.
Adverb 'rítmicamente'.
La omnipresencia del vapor en la industria.
The omnipresence of steam in industry.
Abstract noun 'omnipresencia'.
El vapor velaba la realidad circundante.
The steam veiled the surrounding reality.
Literary verb 'velar'.
Aquel viejo vapor yacía en el fondo.
That old steamship lay at the bottom.
Verb 'yacer' (to lie/rest).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Literally to release steam, or figuratively to vent frustration.
La válvula empezó a soltar vapor.
— A thick layer of steam that blocks vision.
Una cortina de vapor cubría la piscina.
Often Confused With
Humo comes from fire/burning; vapor comes from water/evaporation.
Vaho is specifically breath-mist or light surface condensation.
Niebla is weather-related fog covering large areas.
Idioms & Expressions
— At full speed or with maximum effort. Originates from steam engines running at peak pressure.
Trabajamos a todo vapor para terminar el informe.
Informal/Neutral— To give one's absolute best in an endeavor.
En la carrera, echó todo el vapor al final.
Informal— Something that disappears quickly or is very light.
Su dinero se fue como el vapor.
Literary— Refers to the fleeting and ephemeral nature of fame.
No te dejes engañar por el vapor de la gloria.
Poetic— Confused thoughts or hallucinations (archaic).
Eran solo vapores de su mente enferma.
Archaic— Though scientific, it's often used idiomaticly to describe something with no substance.
Su promesa fue puro vapor de agua.
Neutral— To move with a clear, powerful purpose.
Ese negocio navega a vapor.
Metaphorical— To be influenced by the smell or presence of drink.
Vivía entre vapores de alcohol.
Neutral— To get dizzy or overwhelmed (often by heat).
Se le subió el vapor a la cabeza en el sauna.
Informal— A tiny, fleeting bit of hope.
Quedaba un vapor de esperanza en sus ojos.
PoeticEasily Confused
Both are airborne and look similar (grey/white).
Humo is the result of combustion (smoke), while vapor is the result of evaporation.
El humo del incendio era negro, pero el vapor de la tetera era blanco.
Both refer to water in the air.
Vaho is the thin mist from breath or on a mirror; vapor is more general and usually hotter.
Limpió el vaho del espejo para verse mejor.
Both look like clouds on the ground.
Neblina is a meteorological phenomenon (mist); vapor is the physical substance.
La neblina en el bosque parece vapor.
Vapor is a type of gas.
Vapor is used for substances that are normally liquid; gas is a broader category.
El oxígeno es un gas, no un vapor.
Sometimes vapors carry smells.
Aroma is the smell; vapor is the physical carrier.
El vapor del café traía un aroma delicioso.
Sentence Patterns
El [noun] tiene vapor.
El café tiene vapor.
Cocino [food] al vapor.
Cocino zanahorias al vapor.
El vapor empaña el [object].
El vapor empaña el cristal.
Trabajamos a todo vapor para [verb].
Trabajamos a todo vapor para terminar.
El vapor emanaba de [place].
El vapor emanaba de las alcantarillas.
La naturaleza del vapor es [adjective].
La naturaleza del vapor es efímera.
Hay mucho vapor en [place].
Hay mucho vapor en el baño.
Cuidado con el vapor de [noun].
Cuidado con el vapor de la olla.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High (Common in cooking and basic science)
-
La vapor
→
El vapor
Nouns ending in -or are typically masculine in Spanish.
-
Vapor de fuego
→
Humo
Steam comes from water; fire produces smoke (humo).
-
En todo vapor
→
A todo vapor
The correct preposition for this idiom is 'a'.
-
Vaporar
→
Evaporar
The verb for 'to evaporate' is 'evaporar', not 'vaporar'.
-
Vapor de mi boca
→
Vaho
While 'vapor' is okay, 'vaho' is the specific word for breath-mist.
Tips
Check the Gender
Always pair 'vapor' with 'el' or 'un'. It's a masculine noun ending in -or.
Healthy Cooking
Learn 'al vapor' to help you order healthy food in Spanish-speaking restaurants.
Stress the End
Remember to put the emphasis on the last syllable: va-POR.
History Matters
Understanding 'la máquina de vapor' helps you discuss the industrial revolution in Spanish.
Vapor vs Humo
Never use 'vapor' for smoke from a fire; use 'humo' instead.
Metaphors
Use 'vapor' to describe things that are temporary or fleeting in your stories.
The Soft V
Don't look for a sharp 'v' sound; listen for a soft 'b' sound.
Full Speed
Use 'a todo vapor' to describe a busy day or a fast project.
Water Cycle
Use 'vapor de agua' when talking about rain, clouds, and evaporation.
Ironing
Remember 'plancha de vapor' next time you are doing laundry.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a **V**ery **A**ctive **P**ot **O**f **R**ice. When the rice is cooking, the **VAPOR** rises up!
Visual Association
Imagine a steaming cup of coffee where the steam forms the letters V-A-P-O-R as it rises into the air.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three items in your house that use or produce 'vapor' and label them in Spanish today.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'vapor, vaporis', meaning 'exhalation, steam, or heat'. It has remained remarkably consistent in form and meaning for over two thousand years.
Original meaning: Warm exhalation or steam.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanish.Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral physical term.
English speakers often use 'steam' for visible water vapor and 'vapor' for scientific contexts. Spanish is less restrictive, using 'vapor' for both.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Cooking
- al vapor
- vaporera
- cocer al vapor
- escape de vapor
Weather
- vapor de agua
- humedad
- neblina
- nubes de vapor
History
- máquina de vapor
- revolución industrial
- barco de vapor
- carbón
Science
- estado gaseoso
- punto de ebullición
- presión de vapor
- condensación
Wellness
- baño de vapor
- sauna
- balneario
- respirar vapor
Conversation Starters
"¿Prefieres la comida frita o cocinada al vapor?"
"¿Alguna vez has viajado en un barco de vapor antiguo?"
"¿Qué haces cuando el vapor empaña el espejo del baño?"
"¿Crees que la máquina de vapor fue el invento más importante?"
"¿Te gusta ir al sauna para tomar un baño de vapor?"
Journal Prompts
Describe la sensación de entrar en una cocina llena de vapor después de un día frío.
Escribe sobre un viaje imaginario en una locomotora de vapor a través de las montañas.
¿Por qué es importante el vapor de agua para el ciclo de la vida en la Tierra?
Reflexiona sobre la frase 'ir a todo vapor' en tu vida diaria. ¿Estás estresado?
Describe un paisaje por la mañana donde el vapor sube desde un lago tranquilo.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsEs masculino: 'el vapor'. Un error común es pensar que es femenino, pero siempre se usa con artículos masculinos.
Se dice 'al vapor'. Por ejemplo, 'verduras al vapor' significa 'steamed vegetables'.
El vapor es agua evaporada (steam), mientras que el humo es el resultado de quemar algo (smoke).
Significa hacer algo muy rápido o con mucha energía, como una máquina de vapor funcionando al máximo.
No, es gramaticalmente incorrecto. Siempre debe ser 'el vapor'.
Se dice 'plancha de vapor'.
Es un tipo de sauna donde el ambiente está lleno de vapor de agua caliente.
Técnicamente, el vapor de agua puro es invisible, pero en español llamamos 'vapor' a la neblina blanca que vemos cuando se condensa.
Se dice 'barco de vapor', o simplemente 'vapor' en contextos históricos.
El plural es 'vapores', aunque se usa menos frecuentemente que el singular.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Escribe una frase usando 'cocinar al vapor'.
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Describe qué pasa cuando hierves agua en una tetera.
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Usa la expresión 'a todo vapor' en una oración sobre tu trabajo.
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Explica la diferencia entre vapor y humo en español.
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¿Qué es un baño de vapor y por qué es bueno?
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Escribe una frase poética usando la palabra 'vapor'.
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Describe una locomotora de vapor antigua.
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¿Cómo afecta el vapor a la visibilidad al conducir?
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Escribe una instrucción para usar una plancha de vapor.
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Resume la importancia del vapor en la Revolución Industrial.
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Describe el vapor que sale de tu boca en un día de invierno.
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Escribe un menú saludable que incluya platos al vapor.
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¿Qué sucede con el vapor cuando toca una superficie fría?
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Imagina que eres un científico; describe el vapor de agua.
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Escribe un diálogo corto en una cocina sobre el vapor de una olla.
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¿Por qué las nubes son importantes para el ciclo del agua?
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Describe el ambiente de un spa con baños de vapor.
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Escribe sobre el final de la era de los barcos de vapor.
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¿Cómo se dice 'steam cleaning' y para qué sirve?
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Crea una metáfora sobre el amor usando el vapor.
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Pronuncia la palabra 'vapor' correctamente (enfatiza el final).
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Di en voz alta: 'Me gusta la comida al vapor'.
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Explica oralmente qué es una plancha de vapor.
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Usa 'a todo vapor' en una frase sobre tu progreso en español.
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Di: 'El vapor de agua forma las nubes'.
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Describe el vapor de una tetera con tres adjetivos.
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Pronuncia: 'La máquina de vapor cambió el mundo'.
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Explica la diferencia entre vapor y vaho.
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Di: 'Cuidado con el vapor, está muy caliente'.
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Cuenta una breve historia sobre un barco de vapor.
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Di: 'El espejo se empañó con el vapor'.
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Explica por qué el vapor es importante en una fábrica.
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Di: 'Prefiero las verduras al vapor que fritas'.
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Describe la sensación de un baño de vapor.
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Pronuncia: 'Evaporación' y 'Vaporización'.
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Di: 'El vapor desaparece en el aire'.
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Explica el ciclo del agua brevemente usando 'vapor'.
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Di: 'Trabajamos a todo vapor para el examen'.
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Describe una nube de vapor saliendo de una alcantarilla.
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Di: 'El vaporoso vestido era muy elegante'.
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¿Qué palabra escuchas? (Audio: vapor)
¿Escuchas 'vapor' o 'valor'? (Audio: vapor)
¿Escuchas 'vapor' o 'sabor'? (Audio: vapor)
Completa: 'La sopa tiene mucho ____'. (Audio: vapor)
¿A qué se refiere el hablante? 'Está al vapor'.
Identifica la frase: 'El vapor empaña el cristal'.
¿Qué objeto mencionan? 'Usa la plancha de vapor'.
Identifica la expresión: 'Van a todo vapor'.
¿De qué máquina hablan? 'La máquina de vapor'.
¿Qué le pasa al espejo? 'El vapor lo cubrió'.
Identifica la palabra técnica: 'Vaporización'.
¿Qué tipo de barco es? 'Un viejo vapor'.
¿Qué ingrediente falta? 'Falta agua para el vapor'.
Identifica: 'Vapor de sodio'.
¿Cómo está el ambiente? 'Hay mucho vapor aquí'.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'vapor' is a versatile masculine noun essential for A2 learners to describe cooking ('al vapor'), household items ('plancha de vapor'), and basic science. Example: 'Me gusta el pescado al vapor' (I like steamed fish).
- Vapor is the Spanish word for steam or vapor. It is a masculine noun (el vapor) used in cooking, science, and history.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'al vapor' to describe steamed food, a healthy and popular cooking method in Spanish-speaking cultures.
- It also refers to the gas produced by boiling water, essential for understanding the water cycle and industrial machinery like steam engines.
- Be careful not to confuse it with 'humo' (smoke from fire) or 'vaho' (the specific mist from breath or condensation).
Check the Gender
Always pair 'vapor' with 'el' or 'un'. It's a masculine noun ending in -or.
Healthy Cooking
Learn 'al vapor' to help you order healthy food in Spanish-speaking restaurants.
Stress the End
Remember to put the emphasis on the last syllable: va-POR.
History Matters
Understanding 'la máquina de vapor' helps you discuss the industrial revolution in Spanish.
Example
El agua hirviendo produce mucho vapor.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More weather words
abrigar
A2To provide warmth or shelter to someone or something.
abrigarse
A2To dress warmly to protect oneself from the cold.
absorber
B1To absorb; to take in or soak up.
afectar
A2To affect; to produce an effect on someone or something.
anemómetro
B1An instrument for measuring the speed of the wind.
anochecer
A2To become night; to get dark.
anticiclón
B1A high-pressure system, usually associated with clear, calm weather.
apacible
B1Mild/Calm; pleasant and not extreme or harsh.
bajo cero
A2Referring to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
barómetro
B1An instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used in forecasting weather.
