escudo
“escudo” means “shield” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
shield
Also: protection
📝 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.
coat of arms
Also: emblem, crest
📝 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.
escudo
Also: 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *scūtum*, which meant 'shield' or 'buckler.' This origin explains both the protective gear and the coat of arms, as symbols were traditionally painted on shields.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.