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bitácora means logbook — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 19, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

bitácora

noun • /[bee-TAH-koh-rah]/

logbook

Example:

El capitán escribió en la bitácora.

The captain wrote in the logbook.

🧠 What does bitácora mean?

A bitácora is a type of notebook or journal used to record events, observations, or data, often on a journey or during a specific activity. Historically, it referred to the ship's logbook, kept by the captain or navigator to document the voyage, including weather conditions, course, and significant occurrences. In modern usage, it can refer to a personal travel journal, a pilot's logbook, or even a digital log used in various fields.

📚 Extra examples

  • El capitán anotaba cada detalle importante en la bitácora del barco.
    The captain noted down every important detail in the ship's logbook.
  • Guardé mi bitácora de viaje llena de recuerdos y experiencias.
    I kept my travel logbook full of memories and experiences.
  • Los pilotos deben mantener una bitácora precisa de sus horas de vuelo.
    Pilots must maintain an accurate logbook of their flight hours.
  • La bitácora de exploración detalla los descubrimientos realizados en la selva.
    The exploration logbook details the discoveries made in the jungle.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'bitácora' comes from the Arabic word 'bīṭāqa', meaning 'card' or 'letter'. It evolved through Old Spanish and nautical terminology to specifically denote the ship's logbook, where vital information about the voyage was recorded.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "bitácora"

Synonyms: cuaderno de bitácora, diario de navegación, registro, libreta de anotaciones, cuaderno de viaje
Opposites: improvisación, espontaneidad

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'logbook' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'logbook' is bitácora.
How do you pronounce 'bitácora' in Spanish?
Bitácora is pronounced bee-TAH-koh-rah. The accent is on the second-to-last syllable, 'tá'.
How do you use 'bitácora' in a sentence?
You can use 'bitácora' in a sentence by referring to a physical or digital record of events or data, such as: 'El excursionista llevaba una bitácora para documentar su ruta.' (The hiker carried a logbook to document his route.)
What is the English translation of 'bitácora'?
The English translation of 'bitácora' is logbook.
Does 'bitácora' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'bitácora' is a feminine noun. In the singular, it is 'la bitácora'. In the plural, it becomes 'las bitácoras'.
Is 'bitácora' common in everyday Spanish?
While not as common as general words like 'diario' (diary) in everyday casual conversation, 'bitácora' is widely understood, especially in contexts related to travel, seafaring, aviation, or scientific/technical recording.
Does 'bitácora' have slang or double meanings?
Generally, 'bitácora' refers directly to a logbook or journal. It does not typically carry slang or common double meanings in standard Spanish.
Is 'bitácora' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'bitácora' as a logbook is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations in usage would be minor and related to specific contexts rather than a fundamental difference in meaning.

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