Spanish word

espada

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈpaða/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsword

Example

Vi una espada en el museo.

I saw a sword in the museum.

Illustration for espada (sword)

More examples

Está entre la espada y la pared por la oferta laboral.

The person is stuck between the sword and the wall over the job offer.

Core concept

Metal sword often used as a ceremonial or symbolic object.

Common phrases

  • estar entre la espada y la pared

    be stuck between the sword and the wall

  • sacar la espada

    draw the sword

Similar words

arma: Tool used to injure or attack people.
cuchillo: Small handheld blade for cutting food and peeling fruit in everyday tasks.
puñal: Short pointed blade designed for stabbing at close range and easy concealment.

Definition in Spanish

Arma formada por una hoja metálica y una empuñadura, diseñada para cortar o punzar y usada también como símbolo.

Word origin

Comes from Latin spatha (from Greek spáthē), a word that spread through the Romance languages and shifted from 'blade' to 'sword' in general use.

Usage tips

  • Espada commonly appears in museum labels, literature, or ceremonies rather than casual speech, so a Spanish speaker usually says cuchillo for an ordinary knife.

Opposites

Word lists with this word