Inklingo

How to Say "soldiers" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “soldiers” is “soldados” — use 'soldados' for the most direct and common translation of 'soldiers' when referring to individual members of an army in a general or contemporary context..

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soldados

sol-DA-dos/solˈdaðos/

nounA1general
Use 'soldados' for the most direct and common translation of 'soldiers' when referring to individual members of an army in a general or contemporary context.
A simple, colorful illustration showing three cartoon-style soldiers standing in formation on a green field.

Examples

Los soldados desfilaron por la plaza central.

The soldiers marched through the central square.

Necesitamos más soldados para la misión de paz.

We need more troops for the peace mission.

El entrenamiento de los soldados es muy riguroso.

The soldiers' training is very rigorous.

Plural Form

This is the plural form of the masculine noun 'soldado' (soldier). Remember that when you refer to a mixed group of male and female soldiers, you still use 'los soldados'.

militares

/mee-lee-TAH-res//miliˈtaɾes/

nounB1general
Use 'militares' to refer to members of the armed services collectively, often emphasizing their role or profession rather than just their combat status, and can also refer to military personnel in general.
Three uniformed soldiers wearing green uniforms and caps standing side-by-side in a line.

Examples

Los militares llegaron para ayudar con el desastre natural.

The military personnel arrived to help with the natural disaster.

Muchos jóvenes quieren convertirse en militares.

Many young people want to become soldiers.

Collective Noun

Even though 'militares' is plural, it often refers to the entire institution or group of armed forces, similar to saying 'the military' in English.

Confusing Noun/Adjective

Mistake: “Using 'los militares' when you mean the adjective 'military' (e.g., 'el coche militares').”

Correction: Use 'el coche militar' (singular adjective) or 'los coches militares' (plural adjective) instead of using the noun form.

tropas

/TROH-pahs//ˈtɾopas/

nounB1general
Choose 'tropas' when referring to a body of soldiers or military forces, especially when they are being deployed or are acting as a unit.
Three cartoon soldiers in green uniforms and helmets marching in formation across a simple green field.

Examples

Las tropas se movilizaron rápidamente hacia la frontera.

The troops mobilized quickly toward the border.

El presidente ordenó la retirada de las tropas del país.

The president ordered the withdrawal of the forces from the country.

Necesitamos más tropas para asegurar la zona.

We need more troops to secure the area.

Always Feminine Plural

Even though 'tropas' refers to both male and female soldiers, the word itself is feminine and plural. You must use feminine articles and adjectives: 'las tropas cansadas' (the tired troops).

Using the Masculine Article

Mistake: “Using 'los tropas' or 'el tropas'.”

Correction: Always use 'las tropas' because the word 'tropa' (the singular form) is feminine, and it stays feminine when plural.

guerreros

gheh-RREH-rohs/ɡeˈreɾos/

nounB1general
Use 'guerreros' primarily for historical contexts, referring to warriors or combatants, often emphasizing their bravery or fighting prowess in past conflicts.
A storybook illustration showing two armored figures, one holding a sword and the other a spear.

Examples

Los guerreros espartanos eran temidos por toda Grecia.

The Spartan warriors were feared throughout all of Greece.

En la película, un grupo de guerreros defiende su aldea.

In the movie, a group of warriors defends their village.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the masculine noun 'guerrero.' You use it when talking about two or more male fighters, or a mixed-gender group.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La guerreros (using 'la' which is feminine)”

Correction: Use the masculine plural article: 'Los guerreros' (The warriors).

Soldados vs. Militares vs. Tropas

Learners often confuse 'soldados' (individual soldiers), 'militares' (armed forces members, broader), and 'tropas' (troops, a collective unit). While 'soldados' is the most direct translation for individual soldiers, 'militares' is better for referring to the armed forces as a whole or people within that profession, and 'tropas' emphasizes a group on the move or in action.

Related Translations

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