castillo
“castillo” means “castle” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
castle
Also: fortress, palace
📝 In Action
El viejo castillo se alza sobre la colina.
A1The old castle stands on the hill.
Los niños construyeron un castillo de arena en la playa.
A2The children built a sandcastle on the beach.
Necesitaron meses para restaurar el castillo medieval.
B1They needed months to restore the medieval castle.
rook
Also: tower
📝 In Action
El jugador movió su castillo para proteger al rey.
B1The player moved his rook to protect the king.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: castillo
Question 1 of 2
Which phrase correctly describes a structure built on the beach?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term *castellum*, which was the diminutive (a way of saying 'small version') of *castrum*, meaning 'fortified place' or 'military camp.' Over time, the word grew to describe the large, magnificent structures we know today.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
If 'castillo' is a castle, how do I say 'palace'?
While 'castillo' can sometimes be used for an extremely grand residence, the more precise Spanish word for a royal or official residence is 'palacio'. They are often similar buildings, but 'palacio' emphasizes the residence aspect, while 'castillo' emphasizes the fortification.
Why does the 'll' sound like a 'y'?
The 'll' in Spanish, called 'elle,' is a special sound that developed historically. In most parts of the Spanish-speaking world, it is pronounced exactly like the 'y' sound in English words like 'yes' or 'yellow.' This is known as 'yeísmo'.