Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Sword in Spanish: Espada
Espada · noun · ehs-PAH-dah
The Spanish word for sword is 'espada' (feminine noun). This term covers all types of straight-bladed swords and is deeply embedded in Spanish history, from the Reconquista to the Age of Exploration. It also appears figuratively in many expressions.
Espada is pronounced ehs-PAH-dah. The stress falls on the second syllable 'PA'. All vowels are clearly pronounced with their standard Spanish sounds.
El caballero desenvainó su espada para defender el castillo.
The knight unsheathed his sword to defend the castle.
Sword in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for sword, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| espada | sword | ehs-PAH-dah | Default, widely understood |
| sable | sword | curved sword/saber |
How Native Speakers Use Espada
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Historical context
Las espadas de Toledo eran famosas en toda Europa.
The swords of Toledo were famous throughout Europe.
Toledo, Spain was historically renowned for its superior sword craftsmanship.
Gaming vocabulary
Mi personaje encontró una espada legendaria en el cofre.
My character found a legendary sword in the chest.
Common vocabulary used when discussing role-playing or video games.
Figurative expression
Sus palabras fueron como una espada de doble filo.
His words were like a double-edged sword.
The idiomatic expression 'espada de doble filo' mirrors the English 'double-edged sword'.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Espada
Gender agreement error
Incorrect: El espada es muy antiguo.
Correct: La espada es muy antigua.
Espada is feminine despite ending in 'a' being expected for feminine. The adjective must also agree: 'antigua' not 'antiguo'.
False cognate with 'spade'
Incorrect: Necesito una espada para cavar en el jardín.
Correct: Necesito una pala para cavar en el jardín.
Espada means sword, not spade. The tool for digging is 'pala' in Spanish.
Lock in Sword Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Espada used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using espada in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El caballero desenvainó su espada para defender el castillo. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Sword in Spanish
- What is the connection between 'espada' and bullfighting?
- In bullfighting terminology, 'espada' refers both to the sword used by the matador in the final act and is also used as a title for the matador himself, reflecting the central role the sword plays in the tradition.
- How do you say 'swordfish' in Spanish?
- Swordfish is called 'pez espada' in Spanish, literally meaning 'sword fish,' combining the word for fish (pez) with espada to describe its elongated, blade-like bill.
- What's the difference between espada and sable?
- An espada is a straight-bladed sword typically associated with European combat, while a sable is a curved blade similar to a saber or cutlass, often associated with cavalry or fencing.