dura
“dura” means “hard” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
hard, tough
Also: stiff, harsh
📝 In Action
La mesa de madera es muy dura.
A1The wooden table is very hard.
Tuvo una vida dura después de la guerra.
A2She had a tough life after the war.
La respuesta de la jefa fue muy dura.
B1The boss's response was very harsh.
(it) lasts, (she/he/it) endures
Also: (it) takes
📝 In Action
La reunión siempre dura demasiado.
A2The meeting always lasts too long.
¿Cuánto dura el viaje en tren?
A2How long does the train trip take?
Espero que nuestra amistad dure muchos años.
B1I hope our friendship lasts many years.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "dura" in Spanish:
stiff→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: dura
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'dura' as a verb meaning 'to last'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term *durus*, meaning 'hard,' 'firm,' or 'lasting.' This single root gave rise to both the adjective describing texture/difficulty and the verb meaning 'to endure' or 'to continue in time.'
First recorded: Before 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'dura' related to the word 'dinero' (money)?
Historically, yes, but regionally and informally. In Spain, 'una dura' used to be a nickname for the five-peseta coin. However, in modern Spanish, you should use 'dura' only as an adjective (hard/tough) or the conjugation of the verb 'durar' (it lasts).

