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horca

OR-kah/ˈoɾka/

“horca” means “gallows” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

gallows

Also: noose, hanging
NounfB2
A wooden gallows structure standing alone against a clear sky.

📝 In Action

El pirata fue condenado a morir en la horca.

B1

The pirate was sentenced to die on the gallows.

La horca se encontraba en la plaza principal del pueblo.

B2

The gallows was located in the town's main square.

Muchos prisioneros escaparon de la horca en el último minuto.

C1

Many prisoners escaped the gallows at the last minute.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • patíbulo (scaffold/gallows)

Antonyms

  • indulto (pardon)

Common Collocations

  • condenar a la horca – to sentence to the gallows
  • morir en la horca – to die by hanging

Idioms & Expressions

  • ponerse la soga a la horca – to bring about one's own downfall

pitchfork

Also: fork, string
NounfB2
Spain
A wooden-handled pitchfork leaning against a large pile of golden hay.

📝 In Action

El campesino usó la horca para mover la paja.

B2

The farmer used the pitchfork to move the straw.

Compré una horca de ajos en el mercado local.

C1

I bought a string of garlic at the local market.

Apoyó la horca contra la pared del establo.

B2

He leaned the pitchfork against the stable wall.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bieldo (pitchfork)
  • horquilla (small fork/hairpin)

Common Collocations

  • horca de ajos – string of garlic
  • horca de heno – hay fork

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "horca" in Spanish:

fork→gallows→hanging→noose→pitchfork→string→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: horca

Question 1 of 3

If you are in a traditional Spanish market and see 'una horca de ajos', what are you looking at?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ahorcar(to hang/strangle) — Verb
ahorcado(hanged man / Hangman game) — Noun
horcajadas(astride (legs split like a fork)) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
antorchaconcha
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'furca', meaning a two-pronged fork or a frame for punishment.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: forkFrench: fourcheItalian: forca

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 'H' in horca pronounced?

No, in Spanish the letter 'H' is always silent. You should start the sound with the 'o'.

What is the game 'Hangman' called in Spanish?

It is called 'el ahorcado', which comes from the same root word.

Why does 'horca' mean both a tool and a gallows?

Both objects share a similar 'forked' shape. The Latin root 'furca' refers to anything with two or more prongs.