esclavos
“esclavos” means “slaves” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
slaves
Also: bondsmen, thralls
📝 In Action
Millones de esclavos fueron transportados a América durante el siglo XVII.
B2Millions of slaves were transported to America during the 17th century.
La ley buscaba proteger los derechos de los esclavos, aunque no siempre se cumplía.
B2The law sought to protect the rights of the slaves, although it was not always upheld.
enslaved
Also: captive, slave-like
📝 In Action
Los trabajadores se sentían esclavos de sus deudas.
B2The workers felt enslaved by their debts.
Durante años, fueron pueblos esclavos bajo el yugo del imperio.
C1For years, they were enslaved peoples under the empire's yoke.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: esclavos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'esclavos' as a descriptive word (adjective)?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Medieval Latin *sclavus*, which originally referred to the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe who were often captured and forced into bondage during the Middle Ages. The concept of forced servitude then became linked to the name of the people, eventually giving us the modern Spanish word.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Romance languages.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'esclavos' only used for historical contexts?
While it is most common in historical discussions, it is also used today to refer to victims of modern human trafficking or metaphorically to describe people who feel completely controlled by something, like debt or addiction.
What is the difference between 'esclavos' and 'esclavitud'?
'Esclavos' refers to the people (the slaves), while 'esclavitud' refers to the system or condition itself (slavery).