arma
/ˈaɾma/feminine
The English word 'weapon' is arma in Spanish.
The word arma refers to an instrument of attack or defense in combat. In Mexico, you may hear the slang term cuerno de chivo used specifically to refer to an AK-47 rifle.
Meaning: instrument of attack or defense in combat (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Although arma is a feminine noun, it uses the masculine article el in the singular form (el arma) to avoid a phonetic clash between the stressed 'a' and the article. However, in the plural, the phonetic rule no longer applies and you use the feminine article las armas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɾma/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because arma is feminine, English speakers often mistakenly say la arma. Instead, you should use the singular masculine article el arma.
Did you know?
- The word arma shares a root with the English word 'harmony' through the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to join'. Originally, it referred to the 'fitting' or assembly of equipment.
- In certain legal contexts, the term arma blanca is used to refer to 'bladed weapons' like knives or swords. It literally translates to 'white weapon'.
- In Spanish, the word armas is used in the phrase coat of arms as escudo de armas. This refers to the heraldic symbols of a family rather than actual combat tools.
Examples in context
- No es un arma.It's not a weapon.Tatoeba #4157365 by heyanapau, translation #2648482 by CK
- ¿Dónde está tu arma?Where's your weapon?Tatoeba #4398449 by pchamorro, translation #2254693 by CK
- Me apuntó con su arma.He pointed his weapon at me.Tatoeba #10356109 by Shishir, translation #10348697 by Ooneykcall
- El soldado llevaba un arma poderosa en el campo de batalla.The soldier carried a powerful weapon on the battlefield.
- El uso de instrumentos bélicos está prohibido por la convención.The use of weapons is prohibited by the convention.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a movie about an ancient battle.
- AlejandroEsa espada es un arma muy poderosa.That sword is a very powerful weapon.
- SofíaSí, pero el escudo es un arma defensiva.Yes, but the shield is a defensive weapon.
- Alejandro¿Crees que el héroe necesita otra arma?Do you think the hero needs another weapon?
- SofíaNo, Sofía cree que esa arma es suficiente.No, Sofía thinks that weapon is enough.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weapon” translations and entries arma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
