conde
/ˈkonde/masculine
The Spanish word for the English 'earl' is conde.
The term conde is used to refer to a nobleman. While the English title 'earl' is specific to the British or Irish peerage, conde serves as the direct equivalent for both an 'earl' and the continental European title 'count'.
Meaning: a British or Irish nobleman (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is conde, and the feminine form for a countess is condesa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkonde/
Did you know?
- In the Spanish language, the word conde can be used as a playful or ironic nickname for someone who acts with an air of superiority or pretends to be more important than they are.
- The word conde is a direct descendant of the Latin word comitem, which originally meant 'companion' of the emperor.
- Historically, the title conde did not always denote a hereditary peer but often referred to a royal official who governed a province.
Examples in context
- Un vizconde tiene un rango inferior al de un conde pero superior al de un barón.A viscount ranks below an earl or count but above a baron.This sentence is useful for illustrating the hierarchical ranking of nobility using conde.Tatoeba #13619304 by Seael, translation #13613919 by rul
- En España, el Conde de Downton es un personaje querido por muchos fans del programa.In Spain, the Earl of Downton is a character loved by many fans of the show.
- Se casó con un noble y se convirtió en condesa.She married a nobleman and became a countess.
- El conde vive en un castillo antiguo.The earl lives in an ancient castle.
- Ese hombre es un conde británico.That man is a British earl.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a historical novel.
- Elena¿Quién es el protagonista de la novela?Who is the protagonist of the novel?
- JavierEs un conde muy rico.He is a very wealthy earl.
- Elena¿El conde es un personaje amable?Is the earl a kind character?
- JavierSí, es un hombre muy noble.Yes, he is a very noble man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “earl” translations and entries conde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
