SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to At The Airport

Spanish Phrase

¿Cuándo embarcamos?

/ˈkwan.do em.baɾˈka.mos/
Meaning"When do we board?"
💡

Meaning

This phrase literally translates to "When do we board?" and is used to inquire about the boarding time for a mode of transport, such as a plane, train, or ship. It's a direct and common way to ask for this information.

🎯

When to use

You would typically use this phrase when you are at an airport, train station, or port and need to know the exact time your group or you will be allowed to get onto the vehicle. It's useful when speaking to airline staff, train conductors, or fellow travelers.

✦Grammar Breakdown

¿Cuándoembarcamos?

1

Cuándo (When)

'Cuándo' is an interrogative adverb meaning 'when'. It always carries an accent mark when used in a question, whether direct or indirect.

2

Embarcamos (We board)

'Embarcamos' is the first-person plural (nosotros/as) conjugation of the verb 'embarcar' in the present indicative tense. 'Embarcar' means 'to board' or 'to embark', typically referring to getting onto a large vehicle like a ship, plane, or train.

🗨In Conversation

A

Disculpe, ¿cuándo embarcamos?

Excuse me, when do we board?

El embarque comienza en veinte minutos, a las diez y media.

Boarding starts in twenty minutes, at half past ten.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Cuándo abordamos?

    While 'abordar' can mean 'to board,' 'embarcar' is more commonly used for getting onto a large vehicle like a plane, ship, or train, especially in the context of travel schedules.

  • ¿Cuándo embarcamos nosotros?

    The subject pronoun 'nosotros' (we) is often omitted in Spanish when it's clear from the verb conjugation, as 'embarcamos' already implies 'we'.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿A qué hora embarcamos?

    At what time do we board?

  • ¿Cuál es la hora de embarque?

    What is the boarding time?

  • ¿Cuándo es el embarque?

    When is the boarding?

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish-speaking cultures, punctuality for public transport is generally expected, similar to other parts of the world. However, it's always a good idea to confirm boarding times, especially if there are announcements in a language you don't fully understand. Don't hesitate to ask staff if you're unsure.