cruz
“cruz” means “cross” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
cross
Also: crux, crucifix
📝 In Action
Dibujó una cruz en el mapa para marcar el tesoro.
A1He drew a cross on the map to mark the treasure.
El símbolo de la Cruz Roja es reconocido mundialmente.
A2The Red Cross symbol is recognized worldwide.
Vimos una cruz de piedra antigua en la cima de la colina.
A2We saw an ancient stone cross on the top of the hill.
tails
Also: reverse
📝 In Action
Vamos a tirar una moneda: ¿cara o cruz?
B1We are going to flip a coin: heads or tails?
Si sale cruz, tú empiezas el juego.
B1If it lands on tails, you start the game.
burden, cross to bear
Also: affliction
📝 In Action
Cada persona lleva su propia cruz en la vida.
B2Every person carries their own cross (burden) in life.
Su enfermedad fue una cruz muy pesada para toda la familia.
C1His illness was a very heavy cross (burden) for the whole family.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cruz
Question 1 of 2
Which of the following sentences uses 'cruz' in the figurative sense of a burden?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *crux*, which had the same meaning: a stake or gibbet, and later, the cross shape or symbol.
First recorded: Old Spanish (around the 12th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cruz' masculine or feminine?
'Cruz' is a feminine noun. You always use 'la cruz' or 'una cruz'.
How is 'cruz' related to the verb 'cruzar'?
'Cruz' is the noun (the cross/shape), and 'cruzar' is the verb derived from it, meaning 'to cross' or 'to go across' (like crossing a road or crossing your arms).