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fuerza

/FWER-sah/

strength

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

This illustrates fuerza as physical strength or ability.

fuerza(Noun)

fA2

strength

?

physical ability

,

force

?

physical power, like wind or a push

Also:

power

?

physical might

,

might

?

physical capacity

📝 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

  • vigor (vigor)
  • potencia (power)
  • energía (energy)

Antonyms

  • debilidad (weakness)

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

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Fuerza is a feminine word, so you'll always pair it with feminine words like 'la', 'una', 'mucha', or 'poca'. For example, 'la fuerza' (the strength) or 'mucha fuerza' (a lot of strength).

⭐ Usage Tips

People and Nature

You can use this meaning for both a person's physical strength ('la fuerza de un atleta') and the power of nature ('la fuerza del mar').

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

Here, fuerza represents willpower (fuerza de voluntad), the inner power or influence to resist temptation.

fuerza(Noun)

fB1

force

?

influence, power

,

power

?

authority, influence

Also:

influence

?

impact on others

,

validity

?

of a law or rule

📝 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

  • poder (power)
  • influencia (influence)
  • autoridad (authority)

Antonyms

  • impotencia (powerlessness)

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)

⭐ Usage Tips

Strength You Can't See

This is a more abstract type of strength. It's not about muscles, but about the power of an idea, a person's character, or a rule.

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

In this context, fuerzas (plural) refers to organized groups like the armed forces or security forces.

fuerza(Noun)

fB2

force

?

a group, like the police or military

Also:

forces

?

plural form is very common

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Usually Plural

When talking about military or police groups, you'll almost always see this word in its plural form: 'las fuerzas'.

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.

Used as an interjection, ¡Fuerza! means 'Stay strong!' or 'You can do it!'.

fuerza(Interjection)

B1

Stay strong!

?

offering support during a hard time

,

Come on!

?

cheering someone on

Also:

You can do it!

?

encouragement

,

Hang in there!

?

showing solidarity

📝 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!

⭐ Usage Tips

A Word of Support

This is a wonderful way to encourage someone who is facing a challenge, whether it's a race, an exam, or a difficult personal situation. It's like sending them your own strength.

✏️ 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

forzar(to force) - verb
esfuerzo(effort) - noun
reforzar(to reinforce, to strengthen) - verb
forzudo/a(strongman/strongwoman) - noun/adjective

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.