Inklingo
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caballería

/kah-bah-lyeh-REE-ah/

cavalry

A group of soldiers riding horses in a formation across a field.

Caballería can refer to the cavalry, a military unit that traditionally moves on horseback.

caballería(noun)

fB1

cavalry

?

military branch using horses or vehicles

Also:

mount

?

a riding animal like a horse or mule

📝 In Action

La caballería llegó justo a tiempo para ganar la batalla.

B1

The cavalry arrived just in time to win the battle.

En el establo solo quedaba una caballería cansada.

C1

Only one tired mount remained in the stable.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tropa (troop)

Common Collocations

  • caballería ligera – light cavalry
  • caballería pesada – heavy cavalry

💡 Grammar Points

Group Nouns

Even though this word refers to a group of soldiers, it is singular. Use 'la' and singular verb forms.

⭐ Usage Tips

Modern Usage

In modern military contexts, this often refers to units using tanks or armored vehicles instead of actual horses.

A noble knight in shining armor helping a person.

Caballería also means chivalry, representing the noble spirit and code of conduct of a knight.

caballería(noun)

fB2

chivalry

?

the system and spirit of knighthood

,

knighthood

?

the rank or profession of a knight

Also:

knightly deeds

?

brave actions performed by a knight

📝 In Action

Don Quijote quería revivir la antigua caballería.

B2

Don Quixote wanted to revive ancient chivalry.

Leía muchos libros de caballerías.

B2

He used to read many books about knightly adventures.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • caballerosidad (gentlemanly behavior)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Libro de caballerías – A genre of adventure stories about knights popular in the 16th century

❌ Common Pitfalls

Chivalry vs. Manners

Mistake: "Using 'caballería' to mean 'politeness' in everyday life."

Correction: Use 'caballerosidad' for polite, gentlemanly behavior. 'Caballería' is for the historical institution of knights.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: caballería

Question 1 of 1

If you are reading a historical novel about a group of soldiers on horses, you are reading about the:

📚 More Resources

Word Family

caballo(horse) - noun
caballero(knight / gentleman) - noun
cabalgar(to ride a horse) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'caballería' the same as 'chivalry' in English?

Yes, but only when referring to the historical code or profession of knights. If you mean being a 'gentleman' or opening doors for others, 'caballerosidad' is the more natural word.

Can I use 'caballería' for a single horse?

Technically yes, in a very formal or old-fashioned way, it can refer to a 'mount' or 'beast of burden,' but 'caballo' is much more common for a single horse.