esclavitud
/esklabiˈtud/feminine
Slavery in Spanish is esclavitud.
esclavitud refers to the institution or practice of owning human beings.
Meaning: institution or practice of owning human beings (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may encounter the term esclavismo more frequently in academic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
esclavitud is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/esklabiˈtud/
Did you know?
- The word esclavitud is rooted in the word esclavo, which itself traces back to the term for 'Slav', the group of people from whom many people in medieval Europe were captured and enslaved.
- In some Caribbean Spanish dialects, the word marrón is used to describe people who escaped esclavitud, referring to the 'maroons' who formed independent communities in the mountains.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase esclavizado instead of esclavo to emphasize that the person was forced into that state by an external action, rather than describing it as an inherent status.
Examples in context
- La esclavitud aún existe.Slavery still exists.This sentence is useful for noting the continued existence of slavery.Tatoeba #6966059 by diegohn, translation #5607300 by mailohilohi
- La esclavitud era legal ahí.Slavery was legal there.This sentence is useful for discussing the legality of slavery in a specific location.Tatoeba #1388308 by marcelostockle, translation #806861 by Source_VOA
- Lincoln se opuso a la esclavitud.Lincoln opposed slavery.This sentence is useful for describing an opposition to slavery.Tatoeba #6966054 by diegohn, translation #805424 by Source_VOA
- La esclavitud fue una realidad triste y dolorosa en muchas sociedades antiguas.Slavery was a sad and painful reality in many ancient societies.
- El comercio de esclavos tuvo un impacto profundo en la historia de América Latina.The slave trade had a profound impact on the history of Latin America.
- Los derechos humanos incluyen la abolición de la esclavitud en todas sus formas.Human rights include the abolition of slavery in all its forms.
- La esclavización de los pueblos africanos tuvo consecuencias devastadoras.The enslavement of African peoples had devastating consequences.
- Es importante reflexionar sobre la existencia pasada y presente de la esclavitud humana.It is important to reflect on the past and present existence of human slavery.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a history book in a library.
- DanielEste libro habla sobre la esclavitud en el Caribe.This book talks about slavery in the Caribbean.
- MaríaEs un tema muy triste y complejo.It is a very sad and complex topic.
- DanielSí, la esclavitud causó mucho sufrimiento.Yes, slavery caused a lot of suffering.
- MaríaEs importante estudiar el pasado, Daniel.It is important to study the past, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slavery” translations and entries esclavitud, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esclavitud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
