mercenario
“mercenario” means “mercenary” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
mercenary
Also: hired gun
📝 In Action
El ejército contrató a un mercenario para la misión.
A2The army hired a mercenary for the mission.
Muchos mercenarios lucharon en guerras antiguas por dinero y no por ideales.
B1Many mercenaries fought in ancient wars for money and not for ideals.
En las noticias hablaron sobre la presencia de mercenarios extranjeros en la frontera.
B2The news talked about the presence of foreign mercenaries on the border.
mercenary
Also: money-grubbing
📝 In Action
No seas tan mercenario; a veces hay que ayudar gratis.
B1Don't be so mercenary; sometimes you have to help for free.
Los aficionados llaman mercenario al jugador que se fue al equipo rival por más dinero.
B2The fans call the player 'mercenary' because he left for the rival team for more money.
Tiene una actitud mercenaria que no encaja con los valores de nuestra ONG.
C1He has a mercenary attitude that doesn't fit with our NGO's values.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mercenario
Question 1 of 3
Which word best describes a soldier who fights for a foreign country solely for money?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'mercenarius', which comes from 'merces', meaning 'payment' or 'wages'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mercenario' always an insult?
Technically, as a noun for a soldier, it is a job description. However, in almost every other context, it is used negatively to mean greedy or disloyal.
What is the difference between a 'mercenario' and a 'sicario'?
A 'mercenario' usually refers to military or war contexts. A 'sicario' is specifically a 'hitman' or an assassin, usually linked to criminal organizations.
Can I use 'mercenario' for a freelancer?
Only if you want to be very rude! A freelancer is 'autónomo'. Calling them 'mercenario' implies they are heartless and only want your money.