escudos
/ess-KOO-dohs/
shields
Physical defensive equipment used for protection, often called escudos (shields).
π In Action
Los soldados romanos llevaban escudos grandes para protegerse.
A2The Roman soldiers carried large shields to protect themselves.
Necesitamos mΓ‘s escudos contra el sol en la playa.
B1We need more shields (protection) against the sun at the beach.
π‘ Grammar Points
Plural Nouns
This is the plural form of 'escudo' (a masculine noun). To make singular nouns ending in a vowel plural, you just add '-s'.
β Usage Tips
Figurative Use
'Escudos' can be used metaphorically to mean any form of defense or protection, like 'economic shields' or 'legal shields'.
Heraldic symbols representing family or lineage, known as escudos (coats of arms).
π In Action
Los escudos de las familias nobles son muy elaborados.
B1The coats of arms of the noble families are very elaborate.
El museo exhibe varios escudos medievales.
B2The museum exhibits several medieval emblems.
β Common Pitfalls
Confusing Symbol and Shield
Mistake: "Using 'escudos' only for the protective gear when talking about a country's symbol."
Correction: While related, clarify the context. If it's a symbol on a flag, 'coat of arms' is the intended meaning.
The unit of currency historically used in Portugal and currently used in Cape Verde, referred to as escudos.
escudos(noun)
escudos
?unit of currency (e.g., Cape Verde, historical Portugal)
money
?general term
π In Action
Necesitas 500 escudos para comprar el billete en Cabo Verde.
B2You need 500 escudos to buy the ticket in Cape Verde.
Antes del euro, Portugal usaba los escudos.
C1Before the euro, Portugal used escudos.
β Usage Tips
Capitalization
Unlike some English currency names, Spanish generally writes the name of the currency ('escudos') in lowercase.
βοΈ Quick Practice
π‘ Quick Quiz: escudos
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'escudos' is used when discussing a country's official symbol?
π More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'escudos' related to the word 'escuela' (school)?
No. Although they look similar, 'escudos' comes from the Latin word for 'shield,' while 'escuela' comes from the Latin word for 'leisure' or 'learning.' They have completely different origins.
If I am talking about one shield, what word should I use?
You should use the singular form: 'escudo' (without the 's').