Inklingo

How to Say "soldier" in Spanish

English → Spanish

soldado

sohl-DAH-dohsolˈdaðo

nounA2general
Use 'soldado' for a general member of the armed forces, the most common and direct translation for 'soldier'.
A cartoon illustration of a soldier in a green uniform and helmet standing at attention.

Examples

El soldado saludó al general.

The soldier saluted the general.

Mi tío es un soldado que sirve en la armada.

My uncle is a soldier who serves in the navy.

Vimos una estatua del soldado desconocido en la plaza central.

We saw a statue of the unknown soldier in the central square.

Gender Use

Even when referring to a woman in the military, the masculine form 'soldado' is often used, preceded by 'la' (e.g., 'la soldado'). The term 'soldada' exists but is much less common.

militar

mee-lee-TARmiliˈtaɾ

nounA2general
Use 'militar' to refer to someone in the military, often emphasizing their profession or status within the armed forces.
A young person dressed in a simple green military uniform and a beret, standing at attention against a plain background.

Examples

Mi tío es militar y trabaja lejos de casa.

My uncle is a soldier and works far from home.

El militar recibió un premio por su valentía.

The service member received an award for his bravery.

Gender and People

Although 'militar' is a masculine noun referring to the person, it often refers to both men and women. For women, you might hear 'la militar' or sometimes 'la mujer militar'.

Confusing 'militar' and 'soldado'

Mistake: “Using 'soldado' for high-ranking officers.”

Correction: 'Militar' is a general term for anyone in the armed forces (officer, private, etc.), while 'soldado' usually means a lower-ranking private.

combatiente

kom-bah-tyen-tehkombaˈtjente

nounB1specific
Use 'combatiente' when referring to someone actively engaged in fighting or warfare, a 'fighter' or 'combatant'.
A warrior in simple armor holding a shield and a wooden sword.

Examples

Los combatientes regresaron a sus hogares después del acuerdo.

The combatants returned to their homes after the agreement.

La ley protege tanto a civiles como a combatientes heridos.

The law protects both civilians and wounded fighters.

Mi abuelo fue un combatiente en la resistencia durante la guerra.

My grandfather was a fighter in the resistance during the war.

One word for both genders

This word ends in -e, so it doesn't change for men or women. Use 'el combatiente' for a man and 'la combatiente' for a woman.

Plural forms

To talk about more than one person, simply add an -s to make it 'combatientes'.

Avoid 'combatienta'

Mistake: “La combatienta luchó con valor.”

Correction: La combatiente luchó con valor. Even when talking about a female fighter, the word remains 'combatiente'.

Choosing between 'soldado' and 'militar'

Learners often wonder when to use 'soldado' versus 'militar'. While both refer to someone in the army, 'soldado' is the direct equivalent of 'soldier', while 'militar' is broader, referring to anyone in the armed forces, sometimes emphasizing their career.

Related Translations

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