zarpar

Zarpar is a Spanish verb meaning to cast off from shore and begin a voyage, or to depart by sea. It can also be used figuratively to indicate starting or embarking on an undertaking or project.

In nautical contexts, zarpar describes a ship leaving the harbor or starting its voyage. Common constructions include zarpar de, zarpar desde, or zarpar hacia followed by a place or direction. For example: El barco zarpó del puerto al amanecer. The verb is a regular -ar verb, so its present tense forms are yo zarpo, tú zarpas, él zarpa, nosotros zarpamos, vosotros zarpáis, ellos zarpan; preterite forms include zarpé, zarpaste, zarpó, zarparon, and imperfect forms like zarpaba, zarpabas, zarpábamos.

Figuratively, zarpar is often used to denote beginning a new phase or project, such as in phrases like zarpar hacia un nuevo rumbo or zarpar con un nuevo equipo, emphasizing initiative and departure from the current situation.

Etymology and history: the exact origin of zarpar is not definitively established. The term appears in medieval Spanish and is linked to nautical vocabulary, including related forms such as zarpe, which denotes departure or the act of getting underway. Its usage today remains primarily maritime, with broad application to both literal sea voyages and metaphorical new beginnings.

See also: embarcar, navegar, partir, emprender.