Spanish word

alcázar

Pronunciation

IPA/alˈkaθaɾ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncastle

Example

¿Quieres visitar el alcázar mañana?

Do you want to visit the castle tomorrow?

Illustration for alcázar (castle)

More examples

Entramos al alcázar para ver los patios.

We entered the Alcázar to see the courtyards.

Core concept

Royal fortress with walls and towers.

Common phrases

  • visitar el alcázar

    visit the Alcázar

  • entrar en el alcázar

    enter the Alcázar

  • el alcázar de Sevilla

    the Alcázar in Seville

Similar words

castillo: Robust fortified castle with thick walls and towers designed for military defense and residence.
palacio: Large ornate residence designed for official ceremonies and luxurious private living.
alcazaba: Muslim-period walled fortress with lookout towers functioning as a defended citadel.

Definition in Spanish

Construcción histórica, a menudo real o señorial, caracterizada por elementos defensivos como murallas o torres.

Word origin

Borrowed from Arabic al-qaṣr 'the castle', itself from Latin castrum meaning fortified camp.

Usage tips

  • Alcázar commonly contrasts with castillo because it emphasizes a historic, often royal palace-fortress rather than an ordinary castle.

Other meanings

  • palacenoun
  • fortressnoun
  • citadelnoun

Word lists with this word