escudo
/es-COO-doh/
shield
An escudo as protective gear, like this simple shield.
📝 In Action
El caballero levantó su escudo para detener la flecha.
A2The knight raised his shield to stop the arrow.
Mi familia es mi escudo contra los problemas del mundo.
B1My family is my shield against the world's problems.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Since 'escudo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' before it: 'el escudo', 'los escudos'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Metaphorical Use
You can use 'escudo' to describe anything that protects you from harm, like a law, a person, or even ignorance.
This ornate symbolic representation is also called an escudo (coat of arms).
📝 In Action
El escudo nacional de México es un águila devorando una serpiente.
B1The national coat of arms of Mexico is an eagle devouring a snake.
Cambiaron el diseño del escudo del club de fútbol.
B1They changed the design of the soccer club's crest.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If you are talking about a country, a historical family, or a sports team, 'escudo' almost certainly means 'coat of arms' or 'crest'.
In some countries, the monetary unit is called the escudo, represented here by a gold coin.
📝 In Action
El escudo fue la moneda de Portugal antes de la introducción del euro.
B2The escudo was the currency of Portugal before the introduction of the euro.
En Cabo Verde, todavía se utiliza el escudo caboverdiano.
B2In Cape Verde, the Cape Verdean escudo is still used.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Focus
Unless you are specifically discussing Portugal's history or the economy of Cape Verde, you are unlikely to encounter this meaning frequently.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escudo
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'escudo' is used in the phrase 'El escudero llevaba el escudo del rey'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if 'escudo' means 'shield' or 'emblem'?
If it describes something used for physical defense or protection (like armor), it's a shield. If it describes a design, logo, or national symbol, it means emblem or coat of arms. The context usually makes it clear!
Is 'escudo' still used as currency?
Yes, but only in specific places. The Portuguese Escudo was replaced by the euro, but the Cape Verdean Escudo is still the official currency of Cape Verde.