arquero
“arquero” means “goalkeeper” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
goalkeeper
Also: goalie
📝 In Action
El arquero hizo una atajada increíble en el último minuto.
A2The goalkeeper made an incredible save in the last minute.
Nuestro arquero titular está lesionado y no podrá jugar el domingo.
B1Our starting goalie is injured and won't be able to play on Sunday.
Para ser un buen arquero, se necesita mucha agilidad y reflejos rápidos.
B2To be a good goalkeeper, you need a lot of agility and quick reflexes.
archer
Also: bowman
📝 In Action
El arquero apuntó con cuidado y disparó la flecha al centro del blanco.
B1The archer aimed carefully and shot the arrow into the center of the target.
En las películas de fantasía, siempre hay un arquero con una puntería perfecta.
B1In fantasy movies, there is always an archer with perfect aim.
Robin Hood era conocido como el arquero más valiente del bosque de Sherwood.
A2Robin Hood was known as the bravest archer in Sherwood Forest.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: arquero
Question 1 of 3
If you are in Argentina and talking about the person guarding the goal in a soccer match, what word should you use?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish word 'arco' (bow), which comes from the Latin 'arcus', plus the suffix '-ero' used to indicate a profession or role.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'arquero' and 'portero' the same thing?
In the context of soccer, yes. They both mean goalkeeper. 'Arquero' is preferred in Latin America, while 'portero' is preferred in Spain.
Does 'arquero' ever mean a doorman?
No. While 'portero' can mean both a goalkeeper and a doorman/janitor, 'arquero' only refers to the athlete (goalkeeper or archer).
Why is the goal in soccer called 'arco' in some places?
The word 'arco' means 'arch.' Since soccer goals are rectangular structures, many Spanish speakers, especially in South America, visualize them as arches and therefore call the person guarding them an 'arquero'.