brigada
“brigada” means “team” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
team, crew
Also: squad
📝 In Action
La brigada de limpieza llegó a las seis de la mañana.
A2The cleaning crew arrived at six in the morning.
Necesitamos una brigada de voluntarios para pintar la escuela.
B1We need a team of volunteers to paint the school.
El jefe de brigada revisó el plan de trabajo.
B1The team leader reviewed the work plan.
brigade
Also: fire department
📝 In Action
La brigada de bomberos controló el fuego rápidamente.
B2The fire brigade controlled the fire quickly.
El general ordenó a la brigada avanzar por el flanco izquierdo.
C1The general ordered the brigade to advance on the left flank.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: brigada
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'brigada' in its most formal, official context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Italian *brigata* (meaning 'group' or 'troop') which entered Spanish through French. It originally referred to a small band of soldiers or travelers, giving rise to its modern meaning of an organized team.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'brigada' only used for firemen or the military?
No. While it is the standard term for a military unit or a fire department (brigada de bomberos), it is also commonly used for any organized group of people working together, like a cleaning crew, a medical team, or a volunteer squad.