baloncesto
bah-lohn-SEHS-toh
📝 In Action
Mi hermano juega al baloncesto todos los sábados.
A1My brother plays basketball every Saturday.
El baloncesto es un deporte muy rápido y emocionante.
A2Basketball is a very fast and exciting sport.
La final de baloncesto fue transmitida en vivo a millones de hogares.
B1The basketball final was broadcast live to millions of homes.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Since 'baloncesto' is a masculine word, you must always use the masculine article 'el' before it: 'el baloncesto'.
The 'A' Before the Sport
When talking about playing a sport, Spanish often uses the preposition 'a' (meaning 'to' or 'at'): 'Jugar al baloncesto' (to play the basketball).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Feminine Article
Mistake: "La baloncesto"
Correction: El baloncesto. Remember it ends in '-o', which usually signals a masculine noun.
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to the Game
To talk about a single match or game, use 'partido de baloncesto' (basketball game/match), not just 'baloncesto'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: baloncesto
Question 1 of 1
Which phrase correctly expresses the idea, 'She likes to watch basketball'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'básquetbol' the same as 'baloncesto'?
Yes, they mean the exact same thing (the sport of basketball). 'Baloncesto' is the standard term in Spain, while 'básquetbol' (or just 'básquet') is often preferred in many parts of Latin America.
How do I refer to a basketball player?
You would say 'jugador de baloncesto' (male player) or 'jugadora de baloncesto' (female player). You can also use 'baloncestista' for a person who plays basketball professionally.