esclava
/es-KLA-bah/
slave
In this context, 'esclava' refers to a woman who is legally owned by another person.
esclava(noun)
slave
?a woman who is legally owned by another person
bondwoman
?formal or historical term
📝 In Action
La esclava luchó valientemente por su libertad.
B1The slave fought bravely for her freedom.
En la antigua Roma, una esclava podía trabajar en el hogar.
B2In ancient Rome, a female slave could work in the home.
💡 Grammar Points
Gendered Nouns
This is the female version of the word. Use 'esclava' when talking about a woman and 'esclavo' when talking about a man.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using it for any gender
Mistake: "Llamar a un hombre 'esclava'."
Correction: Use 'esclavo' for males. Spanish words for people usually change their ending to match the person's gender.
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
You will mostly see this word in history books or stories set in the past.
An 'esclava' can also be a style of ID bracelet featuring a flat plate for engraving.
esclava(noun)
ID bracelet
?a chain bracelet with a flat metal plate for engraving
bangle
?a rigid, ring-shaped bracelet
📝 In Action
Mi abuela me regaló una esclava de plata con mi nombre.
B1My grandmother gave me a silver ID bracelet with my name.
Llevo una esclava de oro en mi muñeca derecha.
A2I wear a gold bangle on my right wrist.
💡 Grammar Points
Naming Objects
In Spanish, some pieces of jewelry are named after items they resemble. 'Esclava' reminds people of a shackle or a chain.
⭐ Usage Tips
Shopping Tip
If you are at a jewelry store in Spain or Latin America, use this word if you want a bracelet that has a flat part for your name.
As an adjective, 'esclava' describes being completely controlled by a specific habit or desire.
esclava(adjective)
slave (to something)
?being completely controlled by a habit or feeling
enslaved
?metaphorical lack of freedom
📝 In Action
Ella se siente esclava de su trabajo.
B1She feels like a slave to her work.
No seas esclava de la moda.
B2Don't be a slave to fashion.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Feelings
When using this word to describe how someone feels, use the word 'de' to say what they are a slave to (e.g., 'esclava de...').
⭐ Usage Tips
Matching the Person
Since this is an adjective here, it must end in 'a' because it is describing a female person or a feminine concept.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: esclava
Question 1 of 2
If you buy a piece of jewelry called an 'esclava', what does it likely look like?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'esclava' an offensive word?
When referring to historical slavery or the jewelry, it is a neutral term. However, like in English, it should be used with sensitivity when discussing people or human rights.
Why is a bracelet called 'esclava'?
The name comes from the visual similarity between these bracelets (especially the chain-and-plate style) and the shackles historically used to bind people.