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fuerza

FWER-sahˈfweɾ.θa

strength, force

Also: power, might
NounfA2
A strong person straining to lift a large, heavy grey boulder high above their head, demonstrating physical strength.

📝 In Action

No tengo la fuerza para levantar esa caja.

A2

I don't have the strength to lift that box.

El viento soplaba con mucha fuerza.

B1

The wind was blowing with a lot of force.

Para abrirlo, tienes que hacer fuerza.

A2

To open it, you have to use force.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • fuerza bruta – brute force
  • fuerza física – physical strength
  • hacer fuerza – to exert force, to strain

Idioms & Expressions

  • a fuerza de – by means of, by dint of
  • sacar fuerzas de flaqueza – to summon strength from weakness

force, power

Also: influence, validity
NounfB1
A determined young person walks resolutely down a path, ignoring a colossal, distracting stack of delicious chocolate pastries placed directly beside them, symbolizing willpower.

📝 In Action

La fuerza de su argumento convenció a todos.

B1

The force of his argument convinced everyone.

La nueva ley entrará en fuerza la próxima semana.

B2

The new law will come into force next week.

Necesitas mucha fuerza de voluntad para dejar de fumar.

B1

You need a lot of willpower to quit smoking.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • fuerza de voluntad – willpower
  • fuerza mayor – force majeure, act of God (a legal term)
  • entrar en fuerza – to come into force (for a law)

force

Also: forces
NounfB2formal
A small, disciplined line of three figures standing shoulder-to-shoulder in identical, simple green uniforms, representing organized security forces.

📝 In Action

Las fuerzas armadas protegen el país.

B2

The armed forces protect the country.

Llamaron a las fuerzas de seguridad para controlar la situación.

B2

They called the security forces to control the situation.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • las fuerzas armadas – the armed forces
  • las fuerzas de seguridad – the security forces
  • las fuerzas especiales – the special forces
  • la fuerza aérea – the air force

Stay strong!, Come on!

Also: You can do it!, Hang in there!
InterjectionB1informal
An exhausted runner is heavily struggling near a finish line banner, while a cheerful supporter beside the track leans in and enthusiastically raises their hands in encouragement.

📝 In Action

Sé que el examen es difícil, ¡fuerza!

B1

I know the exam is hard, you can do it!

Me enteré de lo que pasó. Te envío mucha fuerza.

B1

I heard about what happened. Sending you lots of strength (stay strong).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ¡ánimo! (cheer up! / come on!)
  • ¡adelante! (go on! / forward!)

Common Collocations

  • ¡Mucha fuerza! – Lots of strength! / Stay strong!

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: fuerza

Question 1 of 2

Your friend is about to run a marathon. What would you shout to encourage them?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'fortia', which was the plural form of 'fortis', meaning 'strong'. Over time in Spanish, this plural word began to be used as a singular noun for the concept of 'strength'.

First recorded: Around the 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: forceFrench: forceItalian: forzaPortuguese: força

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce the 'z' in 'fuerza'?

It depends on where you are! In most of Spain, it's a 'th' sound, like in the English word 'think' (/ˈfweɾ.θa/). In Latin America and some parts of Spain, it sounds just like an 's' (/ˈfweɾ.sa/). Both pronunciations are perfectly correct.

What's the difference between 'fuerza' and 'esfuerzo'?

Great question! Think of it this way: 'fuerza' is the strength or power you have (the potential). 'Esfuerzo' is the *use* of that strength to do something (the action). 'Esfuerzo' is what we call 'effort' in English.