ficha
“ficha” means “game piece” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
game piece, token
Also: chip, domino
📝 In Action
Es tu turno, mueve una ficha.
A1It's your turn, move a piece.
Perdí una ficha roja de mi juego de parchís.
A2I lost a red piece from my Parcheesi game.
Introduce la ficha en la máquina para empezar.
B1Insert the token into the machine to start.
data sheet, index card
Also: file, police record
📝 In Action
Rellena esta ficha con tus datos personales.
A2Fill out this form with your personal details.
Mira la ficha técnica del coche antes de comprarlo.
B1Look at the spec sheet of the car before buying it.
El bibliotecario buscó la ficha del libro.
B1The librarian looked for the book's index card.
he/she signs in, sign in!
Also: he/she scouts/signs
📝 In Action
Mi compañero siempre ficha a las ocho en punto.
B1My coworker always clocks in at eight o'clock sharp.
El Real Madrid ficha a un nuevo delantero.
B2Real Madrid signs a new forward.
¡Ficha antes de entrar a la oficina!
B1Sign in before entering the office!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ficha" in Spanish:
chip→data sheet→domino→file→game piece→index card→police record→sign in!→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ficha
Question 1 of 3
If you are playing a game of dominoes, what do you call the tiles?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the French word 'fiche', which originally meant a small wooden peg used to mark spots or drive into things. Over time, it came to refer to cards and game pieces.
First recorded: 18th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'ficha' for a chess piece?
Yes, although 'pieza' is also very common for chess, 'ficha' is perfectly acceptable, especially for flatter pieces like checkers.
Is 'ficha' the same as 'tarjeta'?
Close, but not quite. 'Tarjeta' is a card (like a credit card or business card). 'Ficha' is more about the information recorded on it or its function as a token.
What does 'tengo a ese tipo fichado' mean?
It's an idiom meaning 'I've got my eye on that guy' or 'I know exactly what he's up to.' It comes from the idea of someone having a police record (ficha).