Inklingo

fuerzas

FWEHR-sas (or FWEHR-thas in Spain)/fweɾ.θas/

strength, energy

Also: might, resolve
NounfA2
A strong person, depicted as a simplified storybook character, easily lifting a large, heavy boulder above their head, illustrating physical strength.

📝 In Action

Después de la enfermedad, le faltaban fuerzas para levantarse.

A2

After the illness, he lacked the strength to get up.

Tenemos que reunir fuerzas antes de la caminata.

B1

We have to gather our energy (or strength) before the hike.

Lo hizo con todas sus fuerzas, pero no fue suficiente.

B2

He did it with all his might, but it wasn't enough.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • vigor (vigor)
  • energía (energy)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • perder fuerzasto lose strength
  • recuperar fuerzasto regain strength

Idioms & Expressions

  • a la fuerzaagainst one's will; by force
  • dar fuerzasto encourage or empower

forces, troops

Also: security staff
NounfB2formal
A simple illustration of three figures standing in a line, all wearing matching green military uniforms and caps, representing organized forces.

📝 In Action

Las fuerzas de seguridad pública controlaron la manifestación.

B2

The public security forces controlled the demonstration.

El presidente llamó a las Fuerzas Armadas para pedir ayuda.

C1

The president called on the Armed Forces for help.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ejército (army)
  • militares (military personnel)

Common Collocations

  • Fuerzas ArmadasArmed Forces
  • fuerzas policialespolice forces

you force, you compel

VerbB1stem-changing and spelling-changing ar
A simple storybook illustration of a character intensely pushing a heavy, stuck red wooden door with both hands, straining to force it open.
infinitiveforzar
gerundforzando
past Participleforzado

📝 In Action

¿Por qué fuerzas la cerradura? ¿Olvidaste la llave?

B1

Why are you forcing the lock? Did you forget the key?

fuerzas demasiado la situación con tus comentarios.

B2

You push the situation too much with your comments.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedfuerza
yofuerzo
fuerzas
ellos/ellas/ustedesfuerzan
nosotrosforzamos
vosotrosforzáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedforzaba
yoforzaba
forzabas
ellos/ellas/ustedesforzaban
nosotrosforzábamos
vosotrosforzabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedforzó
yoforcé
forzaste
ellos/ellas/ustedesforzaron
nosotrosforzamos
vosotrosforzasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedfuerce
yofuerce
fuerces
ellos/ellas/ustedesfuercen
nosotrosforcemos
vosotrosforcéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedforzara / forzase
yoforzara / forzase
forzaras / forzases
ellos/ellas/ustedesforzaran / forzasen
nosotrosforzáramos / forzásemos
vosotrosforzarais / forzaseis

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: fuerzas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'fuerzas' to refer to physical strength?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
plazasbrazas
📚 Etymology

'Fuerzas' comes from the plural of the Spanish noun 'fuerza', which itself evolved from the Latin word 'fortia', meaning 'strong things' or 'strength'. It shares a root with the English word 'fort' and 'fortify'.

First recorded: 13th century (in similar forms)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: forçasItalian: forze

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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.