marqués
/maɾkes/from spelling rules
The English phrase marquis is translated into Spanish as marqués.
The term refers to a nobleman who holds a rank of nobility above an earl or count and below a duke.
Which one should you use?
While marqués is the standard term, you may also see the form Marqués de used when referring to a marquis by their full title including their territorial designation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is marqués, and the feminine form for a marchioness is marquesa.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾkes/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the title of marqués can be inherited by both men and women, meaning a marquesa may hold the title in her own right rather than just by marriage.
- Historically, a marqués was a lord in charge of a 'march', which was a dangerous frontier territory at the edge of a kingdom.
- The word marqués shares a surprising ancestry with the English word 'mark', as both stem from a root meaning 'boundary' or 'edge'.
Examples in context
- El Marqués de Vallecas asistirá a la recepción esta noche.The Marquis of Vallecas will attend the reception tonight.
- El Marqués de Salamanca es un destacado líder empresarial.The Marquis of Salamanca is a prominent business leader.
- El Marqués de la Habana es un importante miembro de la aristocracia.The Marquis of Havana is an important member of the aristocracy.
- El marquésado de San Miguel es uno de los más antiguos del país.The Marquisate of San Miguel is one of the oldest in the country.
- El marqués vive en un castillo antiguo.The marquis lives in an ancient castle.
- Ese marqués es muy generoso con su pueblo.That marquis is very generous to his people.
- La historia cuenta que el marqués era un guerrero.History says that the marquis was a warrior.
Example conversation
A history student and a professor are discussing a book.
- María¿Quién es el protagonista de este libro?Who is the protagonist of this book?
- DanielEs un marqués muy poderoso de la región.He is a very powerful marquis from the region.
- MaríaEntiendo, ¿él tiene un título de nobleza?I see, does he hold a title of nobility?
- DanielSí, el marqués tiene un rango muy alto.Yes, the marquis has a very high rank.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries marqués, CC BY-SA 4.0.
