Inklingo

How to Say "kings" in Spanish

English → Spanish

reyes

REH-yes/ˈre.ʝes/

nounA1general
Use 'reyes' when referring to male monarchs or rulers of a kingdom.
Two male figures, both wearing golden crowns and elaborate royal robes, standing side by side, representing kings.

Examples

Los antiguos reyes vivían en castillos grandes.

The ancient kings lived in large castles.

Muchos países ya no tienen reyes, sino presidentes.

Many countries no longer have kings, but presidents.

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.'

Incorrect Pluralization

Mistake: “Decir 'reyes' en singular.”

Correction: The singular form is 'rey.' 'Reyes' is only used for two or more kings.

damas

DAH-mas/ˈda.mas/

nounB2games
Use 'damas' specifically when talking about the promoted pieces in the game of checkers, which are sometimes called 'kings' in English.
Two ornate chess pieces representing queens, one white and one black, standing side by side.

Examples

En el ajedrez, las damas son las piezas más móviles.

In chess, the queens are the most mobile pieces.

Necesito mover una de mis damas para ganar la partida.

I need to move one of my queens to win the game.

Difference from 'Reina'

While 'reina' also means queen (the monarch), 'dama' is almost exclusively used for the piece in chess and board games.

Reyes vs. Damas

The most common mistake is using 'damas' when you mean actual rulers. Remember, 'damas' is primarily for the game of checkers, while 'reyes' refers to historical or contemporary male monarchs.

Related Translations

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