espartano
/espaɾˈtano/
The Spanish word for spartan is espartano.
The term is used to describe something that is austere or lacking in luxury.
Meaning: austere, lacking luxury (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, espartano is used in both formal and informal contexts. In some regions of Spain, espartiata is used as a synonym for espartano.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, espartano must agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use espartana for feminine singular nouns, espartanos for masculine plural nouns and espartanas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/espaɾˈtano/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word esparto describes a tough fiber from a Mediterranean grass used to make ropes and mats, though it is not etymologically related to the city of Sparta.
- While espartano refers to austerity, the Spanish word for a 'spartan' person who is brave or disciplined can sometimes be replaced by the colloquial term un roble, which literally means 'an oak'.
- The term can be used metaphorically in Spanish sports journalism to describe a team that wins through sheer grit and minimal resources rather than through expensive talent.
Examples in context
- Los atletas de la antigua Grecia eran reconocidos por su entrenamiento espartano.The athletes in ancient Greece were renowned for their Spartan training.
- Vivían en un estilo de vida espartano.They lived a spartan lifestyle.
- Su estilo de vida es muy espartano.His lifestyle is very spartan.
- Vivían en un entorno espartano y frío.They lived in a spartan and cold environment.
- Prefiero un diseño espartano para mi casa.I prefer a spartan design for my house.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are looking at a new minimalist apartment.
- DanielEl apartamento es un poco espartano, ¿no crees?The apartment is a bit spartan, don't you think?
- SofíaSí, le falta algo de decoración.Yes, it lacks some decoration.
- DanielEs demasiado simple para mí.It is too simple for me.
- SofíaA mí me gusta la sencillez.I like the simplicity.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry espartano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
