golpe de Estado
/ɡolpe de estado/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'coup' is translated into Spanish as golpe de Estado.
This phrase is used specifically to describe a political or military takeover of a government. It is not used for general 'coups' in a business or social context.
Meaning: takeover of one group by another (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'blow of State', where golpe means a blow, hit or strike.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, you pluralize the noun golpe to golpes, while de Estado remains unchanged, resulting in golpes de Estado.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡolpe de estado/
Did you know?
- The word golpe likely evolved from the Ancient Greek word kólaphos, which specifically referred to a slap.
- In the phrase golpe de Estado, the word Estado is capitalized to distinguish the political institution of the 'State' from the lowercase estado, which means a 'state' of being or a condition.
- While golpe de Estado describes a political takeover, the word golpe alone can be used to describe a popular 'hit' song or a sudden emotional shock.
Examples in context
- El gobierno fue derrocado en un golpe de estado revolucionario.The government was overthrown in a revolutionary coup.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use golpe de Estado when describing a government being overthrown.Tatoeba #5081988 by albrusgher, translation #619127 by ulyssemc1
- El golpe de estado fue un evento que cambió el rumbo de la historiaThe coup d'état was an event that changed the course of history
- ¡No puedo creer el golpe de Estado que ocurrió ayer!I can't believe the coup that happened yesterday!
- El alzamiento militar dejó al país en un estado de incertidumbreThe military coup left the country in a state of uncertainty
- El país sufrió un golpe de Estado.The country suffered a coup d'état.
- Los militares planean un golpe de Estado.The military is planning a coup d'état.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing the news in a cafe.
- Daniel¿Viste las noticias sobre el golpe de Estado?Did you see the news about the coup?
- ElenaSí, es una situación muy peligrosa.Yes, it is a very dangerous situation.
- DanielEspero que la paz regrese pronto.I hope peace returns soon.
- ElenaYo también lo espero.I hope so too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Estado, de, estado, golpe, golpe de estado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
