fuerzas especiales
/fweɾθas espeθjales/from spelling rules
The English phrase "special forces" translates to Spanish as fuerzas especiales.
The most common and widely accepted translation of "Special Forces" in Spanish is Fuerzas Especiales.
Meaning: elite force (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a direct calque of the English 'special forces', where fuerzas means "forces" and especiales means "special".
How does it change in a sentence?
While the plural fuerzas especiales is the standard way to refer to the unit or branch, the singular la fuerza especial can be used to refer to a single specific force.
How do you pronounce it?
/fweɾθas espeθjales/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking militaries, a member of the fuerzas especiales is often colloquially referred to simply as an operador, a term borrowed from the English 'operator'.
- In some Latin American contexts, the term comandos is used more frequently than fuerzas especiales to describe elite soldiers. While they mean the same thing, comandos carries a stronger connotation of aggressive shock troops.
- The term fuerzas especiales is often used in Spanish news to describe any high-intensity police tactical unit, such as the GEO in Spain. This extends the meaning beyond the army to include paramilitary police units.
Examples in context
- Para entrar en las fuerzas especiales tienes que ser alto y fuerte, muy fuerte.In order to join the special forces you got to be tall and strong, very strong.This sentence describes the physical requirements for joining the fuerzas especiales.Tatoeba #2114302 by lazarus1907, translation #1782717 by Amastan
- Me entrené con las fuerzas especiales.I trained with the special forces.This sentence is used to state that one trained with the fuerzas especiales.Tatoeba #2118221 by washisnein, translation #1782654 by Amastan
- Las Fuerzas Especiales son una parte vital del ejércitoThe Special Forces are a vital part of the army
- Las Tropas de Operaciones Especiales son entrenadas para misiones de alto riesgoSpecial Operations Forces are trained for high-risk missions
- Los Comandos tienen habilidades excepcionalesThe Special Forces have exceptional skills
- Los Grupos Especiales son altamente respetados por su valentíaSpecial Forces are highly respected for their bravery
- Las Unidades Especiales están entrenadas para situaciones de emergenciaSpecial Forces are trained for emergency situations
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about a news report.
- Mateo¿Viste la noticia sobre las fuerzas especiales?Did you see the news about the special forces?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, fue una misión muy peligrosa.Yes, Mateo, it was a very dangerous mission.
- MateoEs verdad, ellos son muy valientes.It's true, they are very brave.
- SofíaLo son, y trabajan con mucha disciplina.They are, and they work with a lot of discipline.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
