fortuna
“fortuna” means “luck” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
luck, fortune
Also: chance
📝 In Action
Tuve la fortuna de encontrar mi cartera en el parque.
A2I had the good fortune (luck) to find my wallet in the park.
La fortuna le sonrió y ganó la lotería.
B1Fortune smiled on him and he won the lottery.
Por fortuna, llegamos justo antes de que cerraran.
A2Luckily, we arrived just before they closed.
fortune, riches
Also: vast sum
📝 In Action
El empresario amasó una gran fortuna vendiendo tecnología.
B1The businessman amassed a great fortune selling technology.
Cuesta una fortuna viajar en primera clase.
B2It costs a fortune to travel in first class.
Sus abuelos le dejaron una pequeña fortuna.
B1His grandparents left him a small fortune.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: fortuna
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'fortuna' in the sense of 'great wealth'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *fortūna*, which meant 'chance' or 'fate.' The word is related to the older Latin word *fors*, meaning 'luck' or 'accident.' Its meaning evolved over time to include the idea of 'great wealth' because good luck often leads to riches.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'fortuna' and 'suerte'?
'Suerte' is the general word for 'luck' and is very common for everyday chance (e.g., 'good luck'). 'Fortuna' can also mean 'luck,' but it often carries a stronger sense of fate, destiny, or, most commonly, a large amount of wealth. You can use them interchangeably in many contexts, but 'fortuna' feels slightly more formal or dramatic.
Is 'fortuna' always good?
No. While often assumed to mean 'good fortune,' you must specify 'mala fortuna' to mean 'bad luck.' However, when referring to wealth, it is usually just 'fortuna' (a large fortune), which is positive.