estratagema

stratagem, trick

noun es-trah-tah-HEH-mah Rare

Origin: From Greek strategema, via Latin strategema.

Also means

ruse, ploy

Usage Note

Estratagema is feminine despite ending in -a after a consonant cluster — la estratagema, las estratagemas. It denotes a clever deceptive manoeuvre, often military in origin but now broadly figurative. Do not confuse with estrategia ('strategy'), which is a broader plan, whereas estratagema implies cunning and often deception.

Examples

"Usó una estratagema para ganar."

Natural Translation

She used a stratagem to win.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

How to Tell Time in Spanish: A Beginner's Guide

Tell time in Spanish with one formula: es la una vs son las, y and menos for minutes, plus de la mañana, en punto, and 24-hour station times.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Ser vs. Estar: When to Use Each in Spanish

Ser vs estar made simple: how you feel and where you are use estar, everything else uses ser. Master the rule, the exceptions, and the traps that flip meaning.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Accent Marks: 3 Rules for Every Word

A Spanish word needs an accent mark in just three cases: it breaks the default stress, it's a homophone, or a weak vowel splits off. Here are all three rules.

June 3, 2026 6 min read