Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fuerza | /ˈfweɾθa/ /ˈfweɾsa/ |
feminine |
| ñeque | /ˈɲeke/ | masculine |
Fuerza is used to describe both physical strength and the concept of force, such as a physical or military force. While it is the standard term, other words can change the nuance: fortaleza refers to both physical and emotional strength with a more poetic and profound connotation and energía can be used to imply strength regarding vitality and inner drive.
Which one should you use?
While fuerza is the standard term, you may encounter ñeque in specific contexts. For a more formal or poetic sense of strength, use fortaleza. For a more informal sense of strength and determination, especially in certain Latin American countries, the word garra is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Ñeque is a colloquial term for strength, grit or stamina used primarily in certain Latin American countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form fuerzas is commonly used to refer specifically to one's physical energy or stamina.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfweɾθa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word fortaleza means both 'strength' and 'fortress'. This reflects the idea that emotional strength is like a defensive castle protecting the mind.
- In some Latin American cultures, garra literally translates to 'claw'. Using it to mean 'strength' implies a predatory, fierce determination like that of an animal.
- The phrase hacer fuerza can mean 'to push' or 'to strain'. In this context, fuerza is not just a quality you have, but an action you perform physically.
Examples in context
- Ya no tengo fuerzas.I've got no strength left.This sentence uses the plural form fuerza to express a lack of physical energy.Tatoeba #3245763 by marcelostockle, translation #12250385 by Miktsoanit
- Yo no tengo tu fuerza.I don't have your strength.This sentence uses the singular form fuerza to compare strength.Tatoeba #3486158 by gianich73, translation #2276062 by CK
- La unión hace la fuerza.Unity makes strength.This sentence uses the singular form fuerza in a proverb about unity.Tatoeba #514265 by Shishir, translation #437117 by jerom
- Tienes mucha fuerzaYou have a lot of strength.
- La fortaleza interior es importanteInner strength is important.
- ¡Qué poderío tienes!You have so much strength!
- Tiene mucha garraHe/she has a lot of strength.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing an athlete's training.
- JavierÉl tiene mucha fuerza física.He has a lot of physical strength.
- LucíaSí, su entrenamiento es intenso.Yes, his training is intense.
- JavierNecesita ganar más fuerza.He needs to gain more strength.
- LucíaElla también entrena duro para mejorar.She also trains hard to improve.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries fuerza, ñeque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
