fuerzas
FWEHR-sas (or FWEHR-thas in Spain)
📝 In Action
Después de la enfermedad, le faltaban fuerzas para levantarse.
A2After the illness, he lacked the strength to get up.
Tenemos que reunir fuerzas antes de la caminata.
B1We have to gather our energy (or strength) before the hike.
Lo hizo con todas sus fuerzas, pero no fue suficiente.
B2He did it with all his might, but it wasn't enough.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for Energy
When talking about physical or emotional vigor, 'fuerzas' is almost always used in its plural form, even though we often translate it as the singular 'strength' in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the S
Mistake: "Usando 'fuerza' para decir 'I don't have strength/energy'."
Correction: When meaning energy or vigor, use the plural: 'No tengo fuerzas.' (I don't have energy/strength).
⭐ Usage Tips
Key Verbs
Combine 'fuerzas' with verbs like 'recuperar' (to regain), 'tomar' (to take/muster), and 'sacar' (to pull out) to talk about mustering courage or energy.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fuerzas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'fuerzas' to refer to physical strength?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'fuerzas' plural when it translates to the singular 'strength'?
In Spanish, the abstract concept of physical or mental strength is idiomatically treated as a collection of capabilities, hence the plural form 'fuerzas.' Think of it as 'one's energies' or 'reserves of strength'.
How can I tell if 'fuerzas' is the noun or the verb?
If it is the noun, it will almost always be preceded by an article (like 'las') or a possessive (like 'mis' or 'sus'). If it is the verb, it will usually follow the pronoun 'tú' (you, informal) or be implied after a subject.