militar
/miliˈtaɾ/
The Spanish word for military (adjective) is militar.
The adjective militar is used to describe things relating to armed forces, such as an army, navy, marines or air force. While militar describes things that are military in nature, the institution itself is often referred to as las fuerzas armadas or el ejército.
Meaning: (North America) relating to armed forces such as the army, marines, navy and air force (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use militar as an adjective to describe a noun (e.g., military service). However, if you are referring to the institution or the armed forces as a noun, it is more common to use las fuerzas armadas or el ejército.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, it is common to refer to the military as Fuerzas Militares.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, militar is invariant, meaning it does not change its form for gender or number. However, when used as a noun to refer to members of the armed forces (soldiers or military personnel), the word changes to militares.
How do you pronounce it?
/miliˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, militar can be used as a verb meaning to be an active member of a political party or a social movement.
- In some Latin American contexts, describing someone as muy militar can be a critique of their rigid, authoritarian, or inflexible personality.
- If you use militar as a verb in Spanish, it means 'to serve in the military', which is a very specific way to describe one's occupation.
Examples in context
- Es un club de militares.It's a military club.This sentence is useful for identifying a club for military members using militar.Tatoeba #2267432 by cueyayotl, translation #2267431 by _undertoad
- Hice mi servicio militar en Ankara.I had my military service in Ankara.This sentence shows how to describe military service using militar.Tatoeba #1324095 by marcelostockle, translation #1324081 by AKINCI81
- Ellos tienen un poderoso arsenal militar.They have a powerful military arsenal.This sentence demonstrates using militar to describe a military arsenal.Tatoeba #1410110 by marcelostockle, translation #1386709 by quickfitter
- El papel de las Fuerzas Armadas es fundamental para la defensa y seguridad del país.The role of the Armed Forces is fundamental for the defense and security of the country.
- El ejército es responsable de proteger nuestras fronterasThe army is responsible for protecting our borders
- La Fuerza Militar está preparada para responder ante cualquier amenaza.The Military Force is prepared to respond to any threat.
- Las tropas marcharon con orgullo durante el desfile militarThe troops marched with pride during the military parade
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a news report at a cafe.
- María¿Viste la noticia sobre el golpe militar?Did you see the news about the military coup?
- MateoNo, no he visto nada todavía.No, I haven't seen anything yet.
- MaríaEs un asunto militar muy serio.It is a very serious military matter.
- MateoEspero que no haya más violencia.I hope there isn't more violence.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “military” translations and entries militar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
