Spanish word

marcial

Pronunciation

IPA/maɾˈθjal/

Meaning

  • adjectivemartial

Example

Practico artes marciales los sábados.

I practice martial arts every Saturday.

Illustration for marcial (martial)

More examples

Aprender artes marciales mejora la confianza.

Learning martial arts improves confidence.

Core concept

Warlike quality, discipline, or tactical character.

Common phrases

  • artes marciales

    martial arts

  • clase de artes marciales

    martial arts class

Similar words

militar: Concerning soldiers, military bodies, their organization, and formal armed activities.
bélico: About war and combat, focused on hostilities, campaigns, and battlefield conduct.
guerrero: Conveying a warrior's character: fighting spirit, aggression, and courageous resolve.

Definition in Spanish

Indica relación con lo militar o bélico y, por extensión, con técnicas y prácticas de combate.

Word origin

Borrowed through the Romance languages from Latin martialis 'of Mars', where the reference to Mars signals association with battle and military affairs.

Usage tips

  • The adjective appears in formal or institutional contexts such as martial law or ceremonial measures, whereas militar names the forces, institutions, or personnel.

Other meanings

  • militaryadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word