refuerzos
/reh-FWEHR-sos/
reinforcements
Refuerzos refers to reinforcements, often used when additional personnel are sent to aid military or police efforts.
refuerzos(noun)
reinforcements
?military, police, or general aid
backup
?support or extra help (personnel)
📝 In Action
El general solicitó refuerzos inmediatamente después del ataque.
B1The general requested reinforcements immediately after the attack.
La policía envió refuerzos para controlar la manifestación.
B1The police sent backup (or reinforcements) to control the demonstration.
Llamaron a los bomberos pidiendo más refuerzos de agua.
B2They called the firefighters asking for more water support.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural in This Context
When talking about troops or personnel sent to help, 'refuerzos' is almost always used in the plural, even if English might use a singular word like 'backup'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Verb
The related verb is 'reforzar' (to reinforce, to strengthen). Think of 'refuerzos' as 'the things or people that reinforce'.
In construction, refuerzos are structural supports or materials used to strengthen buildings and foundations.
refuerzos(noun)
structural supports
?construction or engineering
bracing
?support beams or structures
,reinforcements
?in materials like concrete
📝 In Action
Necesitamos añadir refuerzos de fibra de carbono a la viga.
B2We need to add carbon fiber strengthening components to the beam.
Los refuerzos de acero evitaron que el puente colapsara.
C1The steel supports prevented the bridge from collapsing.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Plural Agreement
Since 'refuerzos' is masculine plural, any describing words (adjectives) must match this form, such as 'refuerzos metálicos' (metal supports).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clue
If you see 'refuerzos' used with materials like 'hormigón' (concrete) or 'metal,' it refers to physical strengthening elements.
When referring to sports, refuerzos means recruits or new players brought in to strengthen the team roster.
refuerzos(noun)
recruits
?sports team or organization
new signings
?professional sports
,additions
?personnel
📝 In Action
El entrenador está buscando refuerzos para la próxima temporada.
B2The coach is looking for new recruits (or additions) for next season.
Los nuevos refuerzos del equipo de fútbol son muy jóvenes.
B2The soccer team's new signings are very young.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Referring to One Player
Mistake: "Using 'un refuerzo' for a single new player."
Correction: While understandable, it is much more common to use the collective plural 'los refuerzos' or say 'un fichaje' (a signing) for one person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'refuerzos' in a sports broadcast or business meeting, it refers to people brought in to improve performance.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: refuerzos
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es el mejor significado de 'refuerzos' en la frase: 'El equipo de baloncesto necesita refuerzos altos'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'refuerzos' always plural?
The singular form, 'refuerzo,' exists and means 'a single reinforcement' or 'a boost.' However, when talking about extra aid (police, military, or sports team members), the plural 'refuerzos' is the standard way to express the collective group.
How is 'refuerzos' different from 'ayuda'?
'Ayuda' means general help or assistance. 'Refuerzos' specifically means *additional* resources—people or materials—sent to increase strength or capability that is already present.