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"Ciudadela" is a noun which is often translated as "citadel", and "alcázar" is a noun which is often translated as "fortress". Learn more about the difference between "ciudadela" and "alcázar" below.
la ciudadela(
syoo
-
dah
-
deh
-
lah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. citadel
Las tropas enemigas rodearon la ciudadela poco antes del amanecer.The enemy troops surrounded the citadel shortly before dawn.
b. fortress
Hicimos un recorrido por las ruinas de la antigua ciudadela que protegía la ciudad.We took a tour of the ruins of the old fortress that protected the city.
a. residential complex
El alcalde inauguró una nueva ciudadela de 200 casas para familias de bajos recursos.The mayor opened a new residential complex of 200 houses for low-income families.
el alcázar(
ahl
-
kah
-
sahr
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (castle)
a. fortress
Los gruesos muros del alcázar sirvieron como protección frente a los enemigos.The thick walls of the fortress protected them against the enemy.
b. palace
En el alcázar de esta ciudad vivieron varios reyes españoles en la Edad Media.Several Spanish kings lived in the palace in this city during the Middle Ages.
2. (nautical)
a. quarterdeck
La timonera del barco se encontraba en la zona del alcázar.The ship's wheelhouse stood on the quarterdeck.
