fortalecer
/foɾtaleˈθeɾ/
The English verb 'strengthen' is translated into Spanish as fortalecer.
fortalecer is a verb meaning to make strong or stronger.
Meaning: to make strong or stronger (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb in different contexts, you may need these forms: fortalecí is the first-person singular preterite (I strengthened), fortaleció is the third-person singular preterite (he/she/it strengthened), fortaleciendo is the gerund (strengthening) and fortalezca is the third-person singular present subjunctive form. The related noun form is fortalecimiento, which means 'strengthening' or 'reinforcement'.
How do you pronounce it?
/foɾtaleˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb fortalecer comes from the Old Occitan word fortalessa, a language once spoken in Southern France and Northern Spain.
- The word fortaleza can mean both a 'fortress' and a person's 'strength' of spirit, depending on whether it is used concretely or abstractly.
- The suffix -ecer in fortalecer is a common way in Spanish to express a process of 'becoming' or 'turning into' something.
Examples in context
- Los curanderos élficos aseguraban que las ternillas de fénix podían fortalecer los huesos debilitados.Elvish healers claimed that phoenix gristle could strengthen weakened bones.This example shows how to use fortalecer in the context of strengthening bones.Tatoeba #13605176 by Seael, translation #13604617 by rul
- No aceptamos que la oligarquía que nos llevó a la crisis aproveche de ella para fortalecer su poder, haciendo creer que no hay alternativa a las políticas de austeridad.We don't accept how the oligarchy that led us into the crisis takes advantage of it to strengthen its power, making people think that there is no alternative to austerity policies.This example illustrates the use of fortalecer regarding the strengthening of power.Tatoeba #3307354 by Malape, translation #10015858 by DJ_Saidez
- Es importante fortalecer nuestras habilidades para tener éxito en el trabajo.It's important to strengthen our skills to succeed at work.
- La compañía decidió reforzar su equipo de marketing para mejorar su presencia en línea.The company decided to strengthen its marketing team to enhance its online presence.
- Quiero fortalecer mi amistad con él.I want to strengthen my friendship with him.
- Es importante mejorar nuestra posición en el mercado.It's important to strengthen /improve our position in the market.
- Vamos a consolidar nuestra alianza.We are going to strengthen /consolidate our alliance.
- Debemos fortalecer la seguridad en la oficina.We must strengthen the security in the office.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their workout routines.
- ElenaQuiero fortalecer mi espalda este mes.I want to strengthen my back this month.
- JavierPuedes usar pesas ligeras para lograrlo.You can use light weights to achieve that.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, voy a intentarlo mañana.Thanks, Javier, I will try it tomorrow.
- Javier¡Perfecto! Yo te ayudo en el gimnasio.Perfect! I will help you at the gym.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strengthen” translations and entries fortalecer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fortalecer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
