Inklingo
← Dictionary

espada

/es-PAH-dah/

sword

A high quality illustration of a single, straight silver sword with a golden hilt resting on a neutral background.

Espada, meaning sword (bladed weapon).

espada(noun)

fA1

sword

?

bladed weapon

Also:

saber

?

curved sword, though 'sable' is more precise

📝 In Action

El caballero desenvainó su espada para la batalla.

A1

The knight drew his sword for the battle.

La espada es un símbolo de honor y justicia en muchas culturas.

A2

The sword is a symbol of honor and justice in many cultures.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sable (saber)
  • arma (weapon)

Common Collocations

  • desenvainar la espada – to draw the sword
  • manejar la espada – to handle the sword

Idioms & Expressions

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Tip

Even though 'espada' starts with a stressed 'e' sound, it is always a feminine noun and does not use the masculine article 'el' (like 'agua' or 'águila'). Always say 'la espada'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Article Confusion

Mistake: "El espada es vieja."

Correction: La espada es vieja. (Remember 'espada' is feminine: LA espada.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Historical Context

This word is often used when discussing history, literature, or fantasy, as it refers to a classic weapon.

A stylized red suit symbol shaped like an upright sword blade, representing the spade suit in Spanish playing cards.

Espada, meaning the spade suit symbol in a deck of cards.

espada(noun)

fB1

spade

?

card suit in Spanish decks (naipes)

Also:

clubs

?

The suit of 'clubs' in the French deck sometimes corresponds to 'espadas' depending on regional variation, but 'spade' is the direct translation for the Spanish deck.

📝 In Action

Necesito el As de espadas para ganar la partida.

B1

I need the Ace of spades to win the game.

En la baraja española, las espadas tienen la forma de una hoja.

B2

In the Spanish deck, the spades are shaped like a blade.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • el palo de espadas – the suit of spades
  • carta de espadas – spade card

💡 Grammar Points

Playing Cards

When referring to a suit, you typically use the plural: 'espadas'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Deck Differences

Be aware that Spanish playing cards (naipes) use different symbols than international decks. The suits are Oro (Gold), Copas (Cups), Bastos (Clubs/Staves), and Espadas (Swords/Spades).

A specialized, long, slightly curved silver sword known as an estoque, used by a matador for the final thrust.

Espada, referring to the specific killing sword used by a matador.

espada(noun)

fB2

killing sword

?

the specific weapon used by the matador for the final thrust

📝 In Action

El torero entró con la espada para finalizar la faena.

B2

The bullfighter entered with the sword to conclude the final act.

La estocada se realiza con la espada de matar.

C1

The final thrust (estocada) is performed with the killing sword.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estoque (rapier/killing sword)

Common Collocations

  • la espada de matar – the killing sword

💡 Grammar Points

Word Association

In bullfighting, the bullfighter (matador) sometimes gets called 'espada' in older texts or very specific contexts, taking the name of their tool. However, it's best to stick to 'matador' or 'torero' for the person.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: espada

Question 1 of 1

If you hear someone say, 'Me quedan solo dos espadas,' what are they most likely referring to?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

espadachín(swordsman) - noun
espadero(sword maker) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'espada' masculine or feminine?

'Espada' is always feminine. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la espada,' 'una espada fuerte'.

What is the difference between 'espada' and 'sable'?

'Espada' is the general word for 'sword,' typically straight. 'Sable' refers to a 'saber'—a specific type of sword with a curved blade.