vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Guerra" is a noun which is often translated as "war", and "bélico" is an adjective which is also often translated as "war". Learn more about the difference between "guerra" and "bélico" below.
la guerra(
geh
-
rrah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. war
La guerra es una experiencia horrible.War is a horrible experience.
b. warfare
La guerra biológica y su uso de gases venenosos se introdujo en la Primera Guerra Mundial.Biological warfare and its use of poisonous gases was introduced in the First World War.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
bélico(
beh
-
lee
-
koh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. war
Los esfuerzos bélicos sostenidos le han costado a la nación muchas vidas, y debemos ponerles fin.Continued war effort has cost the country many lives; we must put an end to it.
b. military
Cientos de miles de civiles escapan del conflicto bélico en Siria.Hundreds of thousands of civilians are fleeing the military conflict in Syria.
c. warlike
El gorila adoptó una postura bélica y amenazó a los demás desde su jaula.The gorilla assumed a warlike stance and threatened the others in his cage.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.