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Góndola means gondola — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 4, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

Góndola

noun • /[GON-do-la]/

gondola

Example:

La góndola cruzó el canal.

The gondola crossed the canal.

🧠 What does Góndola mean?

A góndola is a long, narrow, flat-bottomed boat, traditionally propelled by a gondolier using a single oar. These iconic vessels are most famously associated with the city of Venice, Italy, where they are used for transportation along its canals and are a popular tourist attraction. Beyond its literal meaning as a type of boat, 'góndola' can also refer to a type of enclosed, often tiered, seating or compartment, particularly in a cable car system (teleférico) or sometimes in a cinema or stadium, designed to carry passengers. The term evokes images of picturesque waterways and unique modes of transport.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los turistas disfrutan de un paseo romántico en góndola por los canales de Venecia.
    Tourists enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
  • Subimos a la góndola para admirar las vistas panorámicas de la montaña.
    We got into the gondola to admire the panoramic views of the mountain.
  • La góndola se desliza suavemente sobre el agua, impulsada por el remo del gondolero.
    The gondola glides smoothly over the water, propelled by the gondolier's oar.
  • En algunas ciudades, las góndolas modernas se utilizan para el transporte público aéreo.
    In some cities, modern gondolas are used for aerial public transportation.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'góndola' is believed to derive from the Latin word 'concula', a diminutive of 'concha', meaning 'shell', likely referring to the curved shape of the boat.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "Góndola"

Synonyms: Barca (general term for boat), Bote (small boat), Cápsula (cable car cabin), Teleférico (cable car system, sometimes referring to the cabin)

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'gondola' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'gondola' is 'góndola'.
How do you pronounce 'Góndola' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'GOHN-doh-lah'. The 'g' is hard, like in 'go', the 'o' sounds are similar to the 'o' in 'go', and the 'a' at the end is like the 'a' in 'father'.
How do you use 'Góndola' in a sentence?
A góndola can be used to refer to the boat in Venice, for example: 'Me gustaría dar un paseo en góndola.' (I would like to take a gondola ride.) It can also refer to a cable car cabin: 'La góndola nos llevó hasta la cima de la montaña.' (The gondola took us to the top of the mountain.)
What is the English translation of 'Góndola'?
The English translation of 'góndola' is 'gondola'.
Does 'Góndola' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'góndola' is a feminine noun. In the singular, it is 'la góndola'. In the plural, it becomes 'las góndolas'.
Is 'Góndola' common in everyday Spanish?
While 'góndola' is a recognized word, its commonality depends on context. It is very common when discussing Venice or cable car systems. In general conversation about boats, other terms like 'barca' or 'bote' might be more frequent.
Does 'Góndola' have slang or double meanings?
The word 'góndola' primarily refers to the boat or the cable car cabin and does not typically have widespread slang or double meanings in standard Spanish.
Is 'Góndola' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'góndola' as the Venetian boat is understood universally. In Latin America, it is very commonly used to refer to the cabins of cable car systems, such as in Medellín, Colombia. In Spain, while the Venetian meaning is understood, the term for cable car cabins might vary, with 'teleférico' or 'cápsula' also being used.

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