conquistador
/konkistaˈdoɾ/
The English phrase 'conquistador' is translated into Spanish as conquistador.
The term refers to a Spanish explorer and soldier who conquered lands in the Americas during the 16th century.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Spanish verb conquistar, which means 'to conquer'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is conquistadores, created by adding '-es' to the singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/konkistaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- In modern Spanish, one might use the verb conquistar metaphorically to mean 'to win someone's heart' or 'to woo' a romantic partner.
- While the word is used in English, in Spanish it carries a much heavier historical and political weight, often evoking the complex and often violent legacy of colonization in Latin America.
- The suffix -dor in conquistador is the Spanish evolution of the Latin suffix -tor, which is the same root found in the English suffix '-tor' in words like 'actor' or 'creator'.
Examples in context
- El reconocido conquistador llegó a estas tierras en busca de riquezas.The renowned conquistador arrived in these lands in search of riches.
- El conquistador llegó a las nuevas tierras.The conquistador arrived at the new lands.
- Leí un libro sobre un conquistador famoso.I read a book about a famous conquistador.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a history project in class.
- DanielMaría, ¿quién es tu conquistador favorito?María, who is your favorite conquistador?
- MaríaNo tengo un conquistador favorito, Daniel.I don't have a favorite conquistador, Daniel.
- DanielEntiendo, son personajes muy polémicos.I understand, they are very controversial figures.
- MaríaExacto, prefiero estudiar la cultura local.Exactly, I prefer to study the local culture.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conquistador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conquistador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
