ataques
/ah-TAH-kehs/
attacks
The noun 'ataques' refers to multiple 'attacks'.
ataques(noun)
attacks
?military, physical, or cyber
,fits
?sudden onset of emotion
assaults
?physical conflict
,seizures
?medical context
📝 In Action
Los ataques de ansiedad son cada vez más comunes.
B1Anxiety attacks are becoming more and more common.
La ciudad sufrió varios ataques aéreos durante la guerra.
B2The city suffered several aerial attacks during the war.
Recibimos muchos ataques informáticos esta semana.
B2We received many computer attacks this week.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Form
This word is the plural of 'ataque' (attack). Since 'ataque' ends in a vowel, you just add '-s' to make it plural.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'de'
To specify the type of attack, always use the preposition 'de', like 'ataques de tos' (cough attacks) or 'ataques de risa' (fits of laughter).
The verbal form 'ataques' means 'that you attack' (present subjunctive, informal 'you').
ataques(verb)
that you attack
?present subjunctive, informal 'you'
don't attack
?negative command, informal 'you'
📝 In Action
Te pido que no ataques su reputación públicamente.
B2I ask you not to attack his reputation publicly.
Si tú ataques primero, tendrás la ventaja.
C1If you attack first, you will have the advantage. (Colloquial use replacing indicative)
¡No ataques al equipo contrario, solo defiéndete!
B1Don't attack the opposing team, just defend yourself!
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Form
This form ('ataques') is the special verb ending used when the action isn't certain, or when you express wishes, doubts, or requests about what the informal 'you' (tú) does: 'Quiero que tú ataques' (I want you to attack).
Spelling Change (C to QU)
The verb 'atacar' is mostly regular, but its stem changes from 'c' to 'qu' whenever it comes before an 'e' (like in the subjunctive and preterite forms) to keep the hard 'k' sound.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative
Mistake: "Using the normal present form when expressing a wish: 'Espero que tú atacas'."
Correction: You must use the subjunctive form: 'Espero que tú ataques'. This change signals that the action is desired, not a fact.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ataques
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es el significado de 'ataques' en la frase: 'El doctor dijo que eran ataques de tos'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'ataques' siempre una palabra negativa?
Generally, yes. It usually refers to physical or verbal assaults, or negative medical events like panic attacks. However, in sports (like chess), it can be used neutrally to describe offensive moves.
¿Cómo distingo si 'ataques' es un sustantivo o un verbo?
Look at the words around it. If it's preceded by an article (los/unos) or an adjective (muchos), it's the noun ('los ataques'). If it follows a trigger phrase like 'espero que' (I hope that) or is used as a negative command ('No ataques...'), it's the verb form.