refuerzo
“refuerzo” means “reinforcement” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
reinforcement, backup
Also: stiffener
📝 In Action
El muro necesita un refuerzo de acero para no caerse.
B1The wall needs a steel reinforcement so it doesn't fall down.
El oficial pidió refuerzos por radio inmediatamente.
B1The officer asked for backup over the radio immediately.
Necesitamos un refuerzo en el equipo de ventas para terminar el proyecto.
B2We need extra support in the sales team to finish the project.
extra help, positive reinforcement
Also: remedial class
📝 In Action
Mi hijo va a clases de refuerzo de matemáticas los martes.
A2My son goes to extra math help classes on Tuesdays.
El refuerzo positivo es mejor que el castigo.
B1Positive reinforcement is better than punishment.
Este ejercicio sirve como refuerzo para lo que aprendimos hoy.
B1This exercise serves as extra practice for what we learned today.
I reinforce, I strengthen
📝 In Action
Yo refuerzo la seguridad de mi casa con una alarma nueva.
B1I am reinforcing my house security with a new alarm.
Cada tarde, refuerzo mi vocabulario con esta aplicación.
B1Every afternoon, I strengthen my vocabulary with this app.
Si yo refuerzo los cimientos, la casa será más segura.
B2If I strengthen the foundations, the house will be safer.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "refuerzo" in Spanish:
backup→extra help→i reinforce→i strengthen→positive reinforcement→reinforcement→remedial class→stiffener→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: refuerzo
Question 1 of 3
If a police officer is in trouble and needs more officers, what do they ask for?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'reforzar', which comes from the Latin prefix 're-' (meaning again or more) and the word 'fortis' (meaning strong).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'refuerzo' and 'esfuerzo' the same?
No. 'Esfuerzo' means the energy or hard work you put into something (effort). 'Refuerzo' is the extra help or material you add to make something stronger (reinforcement).
Can I use 'refuerzos' for people?
Yes, but usually only in the context of groups coming to help, like military units, police squads, or even a group of experts helping a team.
Why does the 'o' change to 'ue' in the verb form?
Spanish has several 'stem-changing' verbs. For the verb 'reforzar', when you emphasize the 'o' syllable, it splits into 'ue' to make it easier to say clearly.