Inklingo

crack

/krak/

star

A soccer player celebrating a goal under a bright spotlight.

A 'crack' is a person who is exceptionally talented at what they do, like a star athlete.

crack(noun)

mA2

star

?

a person who is exceptionally good at something

Also:

ace

?

highly skilled person

,

whiz

?

someone naturally talented

📝 In Action

Messi es un crack en el fútbol.

A1

Messi is a star at soccer.

¡Eres un crack! Gracias por arreglar mi ordenador.

A2

You're a legend! Thanks for fixing my computer.

Mi hermana es una crack de las matemáticas.

B1

My sister is a math whiz.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • máquina (machine (talented person))
  • fenómeno (phenomenon)
  • estrella (star)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ser un crackto be a star/ace
  • un auténtico cracka real legend

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'crack' for anyone

Although it is a masculine word ('un crack'), you can use it to describe both men and women. It is a way to say someone is the best at what they do.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Don't use it for 'breaks'

Mistake: "Using 'crack' to talk about a break in a wall or glass."

Correction: In Spanish, a physical break or fissure is called a 'grieta' or 'raja.' Only use 'crack' for talented people or specific drug contexts.

⭐ Usage Tips

Show your admiration

Use this word when you are genuinely impressed by a friend's skill. It sounds very natural and friendly in Spain and Latin America.

A small pile of white crystalline rocks on a wooden table.

In a different context, 'crack' can refer to a specific type of illegal substance.

crack(noun)

mB2

crack

?

referring to crack cocaine

📝 In Action

El consumo de crack es un problema de salud pública.

B2

The consumption of crack is a public health problem.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is key

Because the same word is used for 'a star' and 'the drug,' pay attention to the context. If you say 'He is a crack,' it's a compliment. If you say 'He uses crack,' it's about the drug.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: crack

Question 1 of 1

If your friend passes a very difficult exam with a perfect score, what could you say to them?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'crack' a bad word in Spanish?

Not at all! When used to describe a person, it is a high compliment meaning they are excellent at something.

Can I say 'una crack' for a woman?

Yes! While 'un crack' is the traditional masculine form, 'una crack' is very common and perfectly acceptable today.