infantes de marina
/infantes de maɾina/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'marines' is translated into Spanish as infantes de marina.
This phrase refers to members of a military force trained to fight on land and sea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'infants of the sea', where infantes refers to foot soldiers or infantry.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single marine, use the singular form infante de marina.
How do you pronounce it?
/infantes de maɾina/
Did you know?
- The word infantes comes from the Latin 'infans', meaning 'unable to speak', which originally referred to children before it was adapted to describe the lowest rank of foot soldiers.
- While infante means 'infant' in modern English, in the context of infantes de marina it stems from the medieval Spanish term for a prince or a high-ranking noble's son. It evolved to mean 'foot soldier' to denote those who fight on foot.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the term marino is a general word for any sailor or naval officer, while infante de marina is the specific term for an amphibious soldier.
Examples in context
- El Teniente General visitó la base de la Infantería de Marina.The Lieutenant General visited the Marine Infantry base.
- Los Fusileros Navales participaron en maniobras conjuntas con otros países.The Naval Riflemen participated in joint maneuvers with other countries.
- Los infantes de marina protegen las costas.The marines protect the coasts.
- Ella quiere ser parte de los infantes de marina.She wants to be part of the marines.
- Vimos a los infantes de marina en el puerto.We saw the marines at the port.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about a relative's career.
- Sofía¿Qué hace tu hermano ahora?What is your brother doing now?
- AlejandroÉl es ahora parte de los infantes de marina.He is now part of the marines.
- Sofía¡Vaya! Debe ser un trabajo muy difícil.Wow! That must be a very difficult job.
- AlejandroSí, pero ¡él ama su carrera!Yes, but he loves his career!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
