Inklingo

How to Say "knight" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “knight” is “caballero” — use 'caballero' when referring to a medieval mounted warrior, a nobleman, or a chivalrous man in a historical or fictional context..

English → Spanish

caballero

/kah-bah-YEH-roh//ka.βaˈʎe.ɾo/

NounB1historical figure, mounted warrior
Use 'caballero' when referring to a medieval mounted warrior, a nobleman, or a chivalrous man in a historical or fictional context.
A historical figure, a knight in full silver armor, sitting atop a large brown horse and holding a lance.

Examples

El caballero andante de la historia luchó contra un dragón.

The wandering knight in the story fought against a dragon.

La armadura del caballero pesaba muchísimo.

The knight's armor weighed a lot.

caballo

/ka-BA-yo//kaˈβa.ʝo/

NounB1chess piece
Use 'caballo' specifically when talking about the knight chess piece, which moves in an 'L' shape on the board.
A stylized white, carved wooden knight chess piece resting on a dark square of a chessboard.

Examples

En ajedrez, el caballo se mueve en forma de L.

In chess, the knight moves in an L-shape.

Sacrifiqué mi caballo para poner al rey en jaque.

I sacrificed my knight to put the king in check.

Also Masculine

Just like the animal, the chess piece 'caballo' is also a masculine word. You'd say 'el caballo' when talking about the piece on the board.

Knight vs. Knight

Mistake: “Calling the chess piece 'el caballero'.”

Correction: While 'caballero' does mean 'knight' (like a medieval warrior or a gentleman), the chess piece is always called 'el caballo'.

Confusing Knight with Horse

The most common mistake is using 'caballo' when you mean the historical 'caballero'. Remember, 'caballo' primarily means 'horse', and only refers to the chess piece in that specific context.

Related Translations

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