esclavo
/ess-CLAH-voh/
slave
Esclavo (noun): Depicting a slave, a person owned entirely by another.
📝 In Action
Millones de esclavos fueron transportados a América.
B1Millions of slaves were transported to America.
El esclavo deseaba su libertad más que nada.
B2The slave desired his freedom more than anything.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement for People
Since this word refers to a person, its form changes based on the person's gender: 'el esclavo' (the male slave) and 'la esclava' (the female slave).
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
While this word is necessary for historical discussion, use it carefully, as it carries a heavy and painful historical weight.
Esclavo (adjective): Used to describe someone who is enslaved or in servitude.
📝 In Action
La población esclava de la colonia aumentó rápidamente.
B1The enslaved population of the colony grew rapidly.
Se sentía esclavo de las circunstancias.
B2He felt captive to the circumstances.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'esclavo' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes: 'pueblo esclavo' (masculine singular) vs. 'mujeres esclavas' (feminine plural).
Esclavo a (noun): When used metaphorically, meaning someone who is a slave to a habit or dominating passion.
📝 In Action
Mi jefe es un esclavo del trabajo; nunca descansa.
B2My boss is a slave to work; he never rests.
Ella era esclava de la moda y compraba ropa constantemente.
C1She was a slave to fashion and bought clothes constantly.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de'
In this figurative sense, 'esclavo' is always followed by the word 'de' (of) to specify what the person is dominated by: 'esclavo de [something]'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'de'
Mistake: "Soy esclavo el dinero."
Correction: Soy esclavo del dinero. (You need the connecting word 'de' (of) before the thing you are addicted to.)
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: esclavo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'esclavo' in its figurative, modern meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la forma femenina de 'esclavo'?
The feminine form is 'esclava'. Spanish words for people often change their ending from -o to -a depending on the person's gender.
Does 'esclavo' only refer to historical slavery?
No. While it is used for historical topics, it is very commonly used today to mean someone is obsessed with or totally dependent on something, like 'esclavo del dinero' (slave to money).