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esclavitud

es-klah-bee-tood/esklaβiˈtuð/

“esclavitud” means “slavery” in Spanish (the condition of being owned by another person).

slavery

Also: bondage, drudgery
NounfB1
A heavy metal chain resting on a dark, weathered wooden floor.

📝 In Action

Muchos países abolieron la esclavitud en el siglo XIX.

B1

Many countries abolished slavery in the 19th century.

Luchar contra la esclavitud es un deber humano.

B1

Fighting against slavery is a human duty.

Este trabajo es una verdadera esclavitud; no tengo tiempo para descansar.

B2

This job is real slavery; I don't have time to rest.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • servidumbre (servitude)
  • cautiverio (captivity)

Antonyms

  • libertad (freedom)
  • emancipación (emancipation)

Common Collocations

  • abolición de la esclavitud – abolition of slavery
  • caer en la esclavitud – to fall into slavery
  • esclavitud moderna – modern slavery

Idioms & Expressions

  • esclavitud del vicio – being trapped by an addiction or bad habit

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "esclavitud" in Spanish:

bondage→drudgery→slavery→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: esclavitud

Question 1 of 3

Which article should you use with 'esclavitud'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
esclavo(slave) — Noun
esclavizar(to enslave) — Verb
esclavista(pro-slavery / slave owner) — Adjective / Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Medieval Latin word 'sclavo' (slave), which originally referred to people of Slavic origin who were often captured during the Middle Ages.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: esclavageItalian: schiavitùPortuguese: escravidão

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 'd' at the end of 'esclavitud' pronounced clearly?

In many parts of Spain and Latin America, the final 'd' is very soft, almost like a faint 'th' sound, or sometimes dropped entirely in casual speech.

Can I use 'esclavitud' for animal cages?

No, for animals we usually use 'cautiverio' (captivity) or 'encierro' (confinement).

Does this word only refer to historical events?

No, it is used for modern contexts (esclavitud moderna) and figuratively for work or habits.