reyes
/REH-yes/
kings
Reyes can mean 'kings,' referring to multiple male rulers.
📝 In Action
Los antiguos reyes vivían en castillos grandes.
A1The ancient kings lived in large castles.
Muchos países ya no tienen reyes, sino presidentes.
A2Many countries no longer have kings, but presidents.
💡 Grammar Points
Making the Plural
This word follows a special plural rule because its singular form ('rey') ends in a 'y.' You add '-es' to form 'reyes.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Pluralization
Mistake: "Decir 'reyes' en singular."
Correction: The singular form is 'rey.' 'Reyes' is only used for two or more kings.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
The 'y' in 'reyes' usually sounds like the 'y' in the English word 'yes' or sometimes slightly like a soft 'j' sound, depending on the region.
Reyes can also refer collectively to a 'king and queen,' meaning a royal couple.
📝 In Action
Los reyes asistieron a la boda real.
A2The king and queen attended the royal wedding.
Isabel y Fernando son conocidos como Los Reyes Católicos.
B1Isabella and Ferdinand are known as The Catholic Monarchs (The Catholic King and Queen).
💡 Grammar Points
The Masculine Plural Rule
In Spanish, if you have a mixed group (male and female), the plural defaults to the masculine form. So, 'reyes' often means 'king(s) and queen(s).'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Trying to say 'King and Queen' literally
Mistake: "Using 'el rey y la reina' every time."
Correction: While 'el rey y la reina' is correct, using 'los reyes' is much more natural and common when referring to them as a pair.
In a religious context, Reyes (often Los Reyes Magos) refers to 'The Three Kings' or Wise Men.
reyes(noun)
The Three Kings
?Biblical/Holiday context (The Wise Men)
The Magi
?Formal biblical term
📝 In Action
El 6 de enero celebramos el Día de Reyes.
A2On January 6th, we celebrate Three Kings' Day (Epiphany).
Los Reyes Magos traen regalos a los niños.
B1The Three Wise Men bring gifts to the children.
💡 Grammar Points
Cultural Significance
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the Three Kings (Reyes Magos) are the figures who bring Christmas gifts, similar to Santa Claus in other cultures.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: reyes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'reyes' to mean 'king and queen'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'reyes' pronounced the same in all Spanish-speaking countries?
The pronunciation is generally consistent, but the 'y' sound (often written as 'll' or 'y') varies. In parts of Argentina and Uruguay, it sounds more like the 'sh' in 'ship' (REH-shes), while in most other places, it sounds like the 'y' in 'yes' or a 'j' sound.
Why does 'reyes' mean both 'kings' and 'king and queen'?
This is a feature of Spanish grammar where the masculine plural form often serves as a neutral or mixed-gender plural. If you refer to a group that includes both male and female rulers, 'los reyes' is the correct term.