fortalezas
/foɾtaleθas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'strongholds' is translated into Spanish as fortalezas.
fortalezas refers to fortified places or buildings designed to be defended against attack. Beyond physical structures, the singular form fortaleza can also be used to describe abstract strength, such as mental or emotional strength.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is fortaleza, while the plural form is fortalezas. The related word fuertes is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/foɾtaleθas/
Did you know?
- The word fortaleza shares a root with the English word 'fortitude'. While 'fortitude' only refers to mental strength, fortaleza covers both the physical building and the mental trait.
- In Spanish, the word fortaleza is frequently used in religious contexts to describe a spiritual refuge or a 'stronghold' in God, often appearing in hymns and liturgical texts.
- A common mistake for English speakers is to use fortaleza for a 'fort' (the small military structure), whereas in Spanish, a small 'fort' is usually called a fuerte.
Examples in context
- Los fuertes militares protegían la ciudad de los invasores.The military strongholds protected the city from invaders.
- Los castillos medievales eran baluartes de poder y protección.Medieval castles were strongholds of power and protection.
- La ciudadela se convirtió en el bastión de la resistencia.The citadel became the stronghold of the resistance.
- Los estudios cinematográficos se consideran bastiones de creatividad.Film studios are often seen as strongholds of creativity.
- Las fortalezas de la montaña son impenetrables.The mountain strongholds are impenetrable.
- Las fortalezas eran muy grandes.The strongholds were very large.
- Visitamos las fortalezas antiguas hoy.We visited the ancient strongholds today.
- Esas fortalezas están en la montaña.Those strongholds are on the mountain.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a history book in a cafe.
- Elena¿Conoces estas fortalezas de la foto?Do you know these strongholds in the photo?
- JavierNo, pero las fortalezas parecen impresionantes.No, but the strongholds look impressive.
- ElenaJavier, deberíamos ir a verlas pronto.Javier, we should go see them soon.
- JavierEs una excelente idea, Elena.That is an excellent idea, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
