castillo
/kasˈtiʝo/masculine
The English word 'castle' is translated into Spanish as castillo. Wiktionary also lists castro.
Meaning: fortified building (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| castillo | /kasˈtiʝo/ | masculine |
| castro | /ˈkastɾo/ | masculine |
The word castillo is used to refer to a fortified building. In more formal contexts, you may use fortaleza to emphasize the building's role as a fortress or Alcázar when referring to a castle specifically associated with Moorish or Spanish Islamic architecture.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both castillo and castro are masculine nouns. Related to the concept of a castle in games like chess, the Spanish verb enrocar means to castle.
How do you pronounce it?
/kasˈtiʝo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word castillo is a diminutive form, derived from the Latin 'castellum', which literally means 'small fort'.
- In some Spanish idioms, referring to castillos en el aire describes someone who creates imaginary plans or unrealistic dreams.
- While castillo and castro both mean a fortified place, castro is almost exclusively used today to refer to pre-Roman Iron Age hilltop settlements.
Examples in context
- Me gusta tu castillo.I like your castle.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference regarding someone's castillo.Tatoeba #2412344 by marcelostockle, translation #10462841 by DJ_Saidez
- Me gusta este castillo.I like this castle.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for a specific castillo.Tatoeba #10281367 by manufrutos, translation #10280524 by CK
- Este castillo es bonito.This castle is beautiful.This sentence is useful for describing the beauty of a castillo.Tatoeba #445850 by Shishir, translation #415554 by CK
- El castillo medieval se alzaba majestuosamente en la colina.The medieval castle stood majestically on the hill.
- Visitamos el espléndido alcázar de Sevilla durante nuestro viaje.We visited the splendid Alcázar of Seville during our trip.
- ¡Mira qué impresionante palacio! Jamás había visto un castillo tan majestuoso.Look at that impressive palace! I've never seen such a majestic castle.
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are walking through a historical village.
- JavierMira ese castillo, Sofía.Look at that castle, Sofía.
- SofíaEs un castillo impresionante.It is an impressive castle.
- Javier¿Quieres entrar al castillo?Do you want to enter the castle?
- SofíaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “castle” translations and entries castillo, castro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries castillo, castro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
