foso

moat

noun FOH-soh Rare

Origin: From Latin fossa ('ditch, trench').

Also means

pit

Usage Note

Foso most commonly refers to the moat surrounding a castle (el foso del castillo) or a pit or trench dug in the ground. In theater, el foso de la orquesta is the orchestra pit. The related feminine fosa means a grave or anatomical pit (fosa nasal = nostril) — different word, easy to confuse.

Examples

"El castillo tenía un foso lleno de agua."

Natural Translation

The castle had a moat full of water.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

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 False Friends That Cause Real Embarrassment

Spanish false friends like embarazada and excitado don't mean what you think. Learn the trap words, the right ones to say instead, and how to stop guessing.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

You're Welcome in Spanish: Beyond De Nada

You're welcome in Spanish is more than de nada. Learn con gusto, no hay de qué, a la orden and more — and which to use by region and how formal the moment is.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read