Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caballero | /kabaˈʝeɾo/ | masculine |
| équite | /ekite/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A knight refers to a warrior, particularly from the Middle Ages. In modern Spanish, caballero has also evolved to mean 'gentleman' and is used as a polite way to address a man in social contexts. If you wish to describe a knight-errant, use the phrase caballero andante. The verb acaballar can be used to describe the act of conferring knighthood upon someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The word caballero is etymologically derived from caballo (horse), meaning 'horseman'.
Which one should you use?
While caballero is the standard term for both a medieval knight and a 'gentleman', équite is another masculine form for knight. To portray a more heroic or valorous type of knight, you might use the formal term Paladín.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Caballero is a formal way to address a man, similar to using 'sir' or 'gentleman' in English. Paladín is a formal term specifically used to portray a more heroic figure.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both caballero and équite are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kabaˈʝeɾo/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, caballero can be used in signs for men's restrooms, appearing as Caballeros. This is the equivalent of the English 'Gentlemen'.
- The word 'cavalier' in English, which can mean 'careless', shares the same DNA as the Spanish word for a respectful gentleman, caballero.
- The term caballerosidad is used to describe 'chivalry' or 'gallantry'. It refers to the code of honor and politeness that a caballero is expected to uphold.
Examples in context
- El caballero hizo un juramento de lealtad al rey.The knight swore an oath of allegiance to the king.This sentence is useful for showing a knight swearing an oath of allegiance with caballero.Tatoeba #5186845 by albrusgher, translation #25630 by Scott
- Tomó la decisión de convertirse en un caballero andante.He made the decision to become a knight-errant.This sentence illustrates the term for a knight-errant using caballero.Tatoeba #5939564 by arh, translation #7799907 by shekitten
- El audaz caballero no titubeó a la hora de dar la ofensiva.The bold knight didn't hesitate to go on the offensive when the time came.This sentence shows the use of caballero to describe a bold knight.Tatoeba #1142328 by marcelostockle, translation #1142330 by marcelostockle
- El caballero protegió a la princesaThe knight protected the princess
- El caballero llevaba una armadura relucienteThe knight wore shiny armor
- El caballero valiente venció al dragónThe brave knight defeated the dragon
- El caballero vivía en un castillo majestuosoThe knight lived in a majestic castle
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are visiting a medieval museum.
- DanielMira esa armadura de caballero.Look at that knight's armor.
- LucíaEs impresionante, parece muy pesada.It's impressive, it looks very heavy.
- DanielUn caballero debía entrenar mucho.A knight had to train a lot.
- LucíaCiertamente, era una vida muy dura.Certainly, it was a very hard life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knight” translations and entries caballero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caballero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
