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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.
plural noun
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).
adjective
a. effective
La vacuna tarda unos días en ser efectiva.The vaccine takes a few days to become effective.
a. real
El poder efectivo está en manos del pueblo.The real power is in the hands of the people.
b. actual
La posibilidad efectiva de que sobreviva este pajarito es muy escasa.The actual chance that this baby bird will survive is very slim.
c. true
No se ha podido determinar el valor efectivo de las pérdidas.It has not been possible to determine the true value of the losses.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. cash
Pagué con tarjeta porque no llevaba efectivo.I paid by card because I didn't have any cash on me.
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las tropas(
troh
-
pahs
)
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
a. army
Se firmó el tratado de paz antes de que las tropas llegaran a la capital.The peace treaty was signed before the army reached the capital.
b. troops
Las tropas se quedaron sin víveres y tuvieron que frenar su avance.The troops ran out of supplies, making them halt.
la tropa
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. troop
La tropa invadió el territorio enemigo.The troop invaded enemy territory.
b. rank and file
La tropa está en constante entrenamiento.The rank and file is in constant training.
3.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(multitude)
a. troop
Había una tropa de gente esperando afuera.There was a troop of people waiting outside.
b. horde
La tropa se está manifestando en contra de la guerra.The hordes are protesting against the war.
a. herd
El pastor guiaba a la tropa hacia la colina.The shepherd guided his herd up the hill.
b. flock
La tropa de cabras iba de regreso a la granja.The flock of goats was returning to the farm.
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