esclavos
/esklabos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "slaves" is translated into Spanish as esclavos.
Esclavos refers to people who are owned by others and forced to work without pay. You may also see the phrase esclavos de used metaphorically to describe being controlled by something such as an addiction, a routine or a habit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes gender and number based on who is being discussed. The masculine singular form is esclavo and the feminine singular form is esclava. To refer to a group of females, use the feminine plural esclavas. When referring to specific people as the direct object of a verb, you must use the preposition a before the noun, such as in the phrase a los esclavos.
How do you pronounce it?
/esklabos/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word esclavo shares a common root with the English word 'slave' because both are derived from the name of the eslavos or Slavs, who were frequently captured and enslaved during the early Middle Ages.
- Spanish speakers sometimes use the phrase soy esclavo de followed by a person's name to describe an intense, obsessive romantic infatuation.
- While esclavo is the standard term, historical texts in Spain often use the term siervo to denote a specific legal status of feudal servitude that was different from the chattel slavery of the Americas.
Examples in context
- Lincoln liberó a los esclavos.Lincoln set the slaves free.This sentence shows the use of the personal a when referring to the direct object esclavos.Tatoeba #1731622 by hayastan, translation #29645 by CM
- Somos esclavos de nuestra rutina.We're slaves to our routine.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical use of esclavos regarding a routine.Tatoeba #1366660 by Shishir, translation #12855402 by rul
- Muchos esclavos fueron afrancados.Many slaves were freed.This sentence shows the plural form esclavos being used to describe people who were freed.Tatoeba #4343380 by saverius, translation #10040075 by espamatics
- La abolición de la trata de esclavos fue un gran paso hacia la igualdad en nuestra sociedad.The abolition of the slave trade was a major step towards equality in our society.
- En aquel tiempo, los esclavos eran considerados propiedad y no tenían derechos.At that time, slaves were considered property and had no rights.
- La obra de teatro representa la lucha por la libertad de los negros durante la época de la esclavitud.The play depicts the struggle for freedom of slaves during the era of slavery.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a history documentary in a cafe.
- Elena¿Viste el documental sobre los esclavos?Did you see the documentary about the slaves?
- JavierSí, fue muy triste y realista.Yes, it was very sad and realistic.
- ElenaMuchos hombres sufrieron demasiado en esa época.Many men suffered too much in that era.
- JavierEs una parte horrible de la historia.It is a horrible part of history.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
