duras
“duras” means “hard” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
hard, tough
Also: harsh, stiff
📝 In Action
Necesitas herramientas muy duras para cortar estas maderas.
A1You need very hard tools to cut this wood.
Las condiciones de vida en el desierto son muy duras.
B1The living conditions in the desert are very tough (or harsh).
Sus palabras fueron muy duras y me hicieron sentir mal.
B2Her words were very harsh and made me feel bad.
you last, you endure
Also: you continue
📝 In Action
¿Cuánto tiempo duras en la piscina sin descansar?
A1How long do you last in the pool without resting?
Ojalá duras mucho en tu nuevo trabajo.
B2Hopefully you last a long time in your new job. (Less common subjunctive usage)
Si no comes, no duras ni una hora.
A2If you don't eat, you won't last even an hour.
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: duras
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'duras' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The two meanings come from different Latin roots. The adjective 'duras' comes from the Latin *dūrus* meaning 'hard' or 'solid'. The verb form 'duras' comes from the Latin *dūrāre*, meaning 'to last' or 'to harden' (which also shares a root with *dūrus*).
First recorded: 13th century (in similar forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'duras' is the adjective or the verb?
If 'duras' comes right after a feminine plural noun (like 'las piedras duras'), it's the adjective meaning 'hard.' If it follows a question word like '¿Cuánto?' or is used with the pronoun 'tú,' it's the verb form meaning 'you last' or 'you endure.'