partidos
“partidos” means “matches” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
matches, games
Also: fixtures
📝 In Action
Todos los domingos vemos los partidos de fútbol.
A1Every Sunday we watch the soccer matches.
Hubo muchos partidos emocionantes en el torneo.
A2There were many exciting games in the tournament.
political parties
Also: factions
📝 In Action
Los partidos políticos tienen que llegar a un acuerdo.
B1The political parties have to reach an agreement.
Hay más de diez partidos registrados para la elección.
B2There are more than ten parties registered for the election.
broken, split
Also: divided
📝 In Action
Los vasos estaban partidos después de la caída.
B1The glasses were broken after the fall.
Tienen los corazones partidos por la noticia.
B2They have broken hearts (literally: split hearts) because of the news.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: partidos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'partidos' in the sense of a political group?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *partīre*, meaning 'to divide, to share, or to distribute.' This core idea of 'division' explains why it refers both to a 'part' (like a political party) and to a 'division or contest' (like a sports match).
First recorded: Old Spanish (around the 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'partidos' mean both 'matches' and 'political parties'?
Both meanings come from the root idea of 'division' or 'a portion.' A sports match is a contest that divides two teams, and a political party is a 'part' or portion of the electorate working toward a common goal.
Is 'partidos' ever feminine?
No. The word 'partidos' itself is always masculine and plural (the 'm' ending tells you this). If you were describing feminine objects as 'broken,' you would use 'partidas' (e.g., 'las sillas partidas').