pelota
/peh-LOH-tah/
ball
In its most common meaning, 'pelota' refers to a round object used for sports or play, like this soccer ball.
📝 In Action
Necesitamos una pelota nueva para jugar fútbol.
A1We need a new ball to play soccer.
El perro persiguió la pelota hasta el parque.
A2The dog chased the ball all the way to the park.
La niña lanzó la pelota muy alto.
A1The girl threw the ball very high.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though many nouns ending in '-a' are feminine, remember to use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before 'pelota'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'balón' incorrectly
Mistake: "Using 'balón' when referring to a small baseball or tennis ball."
Correction: Use 'pelota' for smaller, general balls. 'Balón' is reserved for large balls like those used in football (soccer) or basketball.
⭐ Usage Tips
The most common word
'Pelota' is the safest and most general term for 'ball' in nearly every Spanish-speaking country.
Less commonly, 'pelota' is used colloquially to mean 'flattery' or excessive praise used to gain favor.
pelota(noun)
flattery
?excessive praise to gain favor
bootlicking
?sycophancy (often used with 'hacer')
📝 In Action
No le creas, eso es pura pelota para conseguir el ascenso.
C1Don't believe him, that's pure flattery (or brown-nosing) to get the promotion.
A mí no me gusta hacer la pelota a nadie.
C1I don't like sucking up to anyone.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Hacer'
This figurative meaning almost always appears in the phrase 'hacer la pelota' (to do the flattery), meaning 'to try to please someone important by complimenting them too much.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'pelota' used in a context that has nothing to do with sports or round objects, it likely refers to excessive flattery or nonsense, especially in Spain.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pelota
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pelota' in its figurative, informal meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pelota' ever considered rude or insulting?
Yes. While the literal meaning ('ball') is perfectly neutral, the phrase 'hacer la pelota' (to suck up) is informal and often carries a negative, critical tone. Also, in some Latin American regions, 'pelota' can be used as a mild insult or to mean 'nonsense' or 'a lie.'
What is the difference between 'pelota' and 'balón'?
'Pelota' is the general word for 'ball' and is usually used for smaller objects (tennis, baseball, small toys). 'Balón' specifically refers to a large ball, usually one inflated with air, such as a soccer ball or basketball.