Spanish word

conquista

Pronunciation

IPA/koŋˈkista/

Meaning

  • feminine nounconquest

Example

La conquista de América en el siglo XVI cambió muchas culturas.

The conquest of the American continent in the 16th century changed many cultures.

Illustration for conquista (conquest)

More examples

Una sonrisa fue la conquista del corazón de Marta.

A smile was the winning of Marta's heart.

Core concept

A raised flag over a captured city.

Common phrases

  • la conquista del corazón

    the winning of the heart

  • hacer una conquista

    win someone over

  • una conquista amorosa

    a romantic conquest

Similar words

invasión: Forcibly enters another country or region with armed forces to seize control.
ocupación: Maintains armed control of a territory after a takeover, with forces on the ground.
colonización: Settles in a foreign territory and sets up institutions to exploit and govern it.
dominación: Exercises political or military power to subjugate others and enforce obedience.

Definition in Spanish

Acción y resultado de someter o tomar posesión de un territorio, un pueblo o un recurso, frecuentemente por la fuerza o la superioridad.

Word origin

From Latin conquirere (con- 'together' + quaerere 'seek, obtain'), adopted into medieval Romance to name the act and result of taking possession, especially by force.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Spanish, conquista refers to large or military takeovers, so using it for small personal wins sounds exaggerated and speakers use conseguir or logro instead.

Other meanings

  • subjugationnoun
  • capturenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word