simulacro
“simulacro” means “drill” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
drill
Also: simulation, mock
📝 In Action
Hoy tendremos un simulacro de incendio en el colegio.
A2Today we will have a fire drill at school.
Los médicos hicieron un simulacro de emergencia para estar listos.
B1The doctors did an emergency drill to be ready.
Haremos un simulacro de examen antes de la prueba real.
B1We will do a mock exam before the real test.
sham
Also: mockery, pretense
📝 In Action
Ese juicio fue un simulacro de justicia.
C1That trial was a mockery of justice.
Su amistad no era más que un simulacro.
C1Their friendship was nothing more than a sham.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: simulacro
Question 1 of 3
If you hear a loud alarm at school and teachers tell you to walk outside calmly, you are likely in a:
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'simulacrum', which meant an image, likeness, or shadow of something. It comes from the root 'simulare', meaning to make a copy of something.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'simulacro' the same as 'simulación'?
Not exactly. A 'simulacro' is usually a physical practice or drill (like a fire drill). A 'simulación' is often a digital or theoretical model (like a flight simulation on a computer).
Can I use 'simulacro' for a play rehearsal?
No, for a theater or music rehearsal, you should use the word 'ensayo'.
Is it always a masculine noun?
Yes, 'simulacro' is always masculine, even if you are talking about a drill for something feminine like 'la seguridad' (safety).