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"Efectivos" is a form of "efectivos", a plural noun which is often translated as "forces". "Tropas" is a form of "tropas", a plural noun which is often translated as "army". Learn more about the difference between "efectivos" and "tropas" below.
los efectivos(
eh
-
fehk
-
tee
-
bohs
)A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
1. (military)
a. forces
El país aumentó el número de efectivos militares en la zona.The country increased the number of military forces in the area.
efectivo, el efectivo
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. effective
La vacuna tarda unos días en ser efectiva.The vaccine takes a few days to become effective.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
las tropas(
troh
-
pahs
)A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
1. (military)
la tropa
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
2. (military)
b. rank and file
La tropa está en constante entrenamiento.The rank and file is in constant training.
3. (colloquial) (multitude)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).