fortaleza
/for-tah-LEH-sah/
fortress
Depicting 'fortaleza' as a physical structure, like this imposing fortress.
fortaleza(noun)
fortress
?physical structure
,castle
?historic building
stronghold
?military base
,citadel
📝 In Action
Visitamos la antigua fortaleza que protegía la ciudad del ataque pirata.
A2We visited the old fortress that protected the city from the pirate attack.
La fortaleza tiene muros de piedra de tres metros de grosor.
B1The stronghold has stone walls three meters thick.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though this word ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you always use 'la' before it: 'la fortaleza'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
When talking about historical defense structures, 'fortaleza' is often a more appropriate and grand word than 'fuerte' (a military fort).
This image shows 'fortaleza' as inner strength and resilience, like a plant growing through difficult ground.
fortaleza(noun)
strength
?emotional/mental capacity
,resilience
?ability to recover
fortitude
?courage during adversity
📝 In Action
Mostró gran fortaleza después de perder su trabajo.
B1She showed great strength after losing her job.
Su fortaleza mental le ayudó a superar la enfermedad.
B2His mental fortitude helped him overcome the illness.
💡 Grammar Points
Fortaleza vs. Fuerza
Use 'fuerza' (force) for physical power or effort ('levantar pesas'). Use 'fortaleza' for emotional, moral, or mental strength.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Strength Types
Mistake: "Necesito mucha fuerza mental."
Correction: Necesito mucha fortaleza mental. (Use 'fortaleza' when talking about mental/emotional strength, not physical force 'fuerza'.)
Illustrating 'fortaleza' as a strong point or talent, represented by a child demonstrating expertise in building.
fortaleza(noun)
strong point
?personal attribute/talent
,strength
?advantage or skill
asset
?professional skill
📝 In Action
Una de sus fortalezas es su habilidad para hablar en público.
B2One of his strengths is his ability to speak publicly.
Necesitas identificar tus fortalezas y debilidades para mejorar.
C1You need to identify your strengths and weaknesses in order to improve.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Form
This meaning is very often used in the plural form, 'fortalezas', especially when doing a personal assessment or evaluation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Interview Context
If you are asked about your 'fortalezas' in a job interview, they are asking about your professional skills and talents.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fortaleza
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'fortaleza' to describe an emotional quality?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'fortaleza' y 'fuerza'?
'Fuerza' usually means physical power, effort, or energy (like lifting heavy things). 'Fortaleza' usually means mental or emotional strength, resilience, or refers to a physical structure (a castle).
¿Cómo se usa 'fortaleza' en un contexto de negocios?
In business or professional settings, 'fortalezas' (in the plural) are your strong points, skills, or advantages that make you good at your job.