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azafata means flight attendant — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 21, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

azafata

noun • /[ah-sah-FAH-tah]/

flight attendant

Example:

La azafata explicó las normas de seguridad.

The flight attendant explained the safety rules.

🧠 What does azafata mean?

Azafata is a noun that refers to a female flight attendant, a member of the cabin crew on an aircraft responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers during a flight. While historically 'azafata' specifically denoted a female attendant, in modern usage, 'auxiliar de vuelo' is a more gender-neutral and commonly used term for any flight attendant, regardless of gender.

📚 Extra examples

  • La azafata nos explicó las medidas de seguridad antes del despegue.
    The flight attendant explained the safety measures to us before takeoff.
  • Necesito pedir una manta a la azafata.
    I need to ask the flight attendant for a blanket.
  • La azafata repartió las revistas de vuelo.
    The flight attendant distributed the in-flight magazines.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'azafata' has Arabic origins, stemming from 'ṣāḥiba', meaning 'companion' or 'lady-in-waiting'. It evolved over time to refer to women who assisted passengers, initially on trains and later on airplanes.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "azafata"

Synonyms: auxiliar de vuelo, aeromoza, sobrecargo

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'flight attendant' in Spanish?
The most common and gender-neutral term for 'flight attendant' in Spanish is 'auxiliar de vuelo'. 'Azafata' specifically refers to a female flight attendant.
How do you pronounce 'azafata' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'azafata' is roughly ah-sah-FAH-tah. The 'z' sounds like the 's' in 'see', and the 'fata' rhymes with 'data'.
How do you use 'azafata' in a sentence?
'Azafata' is used as a noun. For example, 'La azafata ofreció agua a los pasajeros.' (The flight attendant offered water to the passengers.)
What is the English translation of 'azafata'?
The English translation of 'azafata' is 'flight attendant' (specifically, a female one).
Does 'azafata' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'azafata' is feminine singular. The masculine equivalent is 'azafato', although 'auxiliar de vuelo' is preferred for gender neutrality. The plural form is 'azafatas'.
Is 'azafata' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood, 'azafata' is less common in everyday conversation compared to the more neutral 'auxiliar de vuelo' when referring to flight attendants in general. It is still used, particularly when referring specifically to a female attendant.
Does 'azafata' have slang or double meanings?
Generally, 'azafata' does not have common slang or double meanings. Its primary and literal meaning is 'flight attendant'.
Is 'azafata' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'azafata' is understood in both Spain and Latin America. However, the trend towards the gender-neutral term 'auxiliar de vuelo' is prevalent across most Spanish-speaking regions.

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