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trampa

tram-pa/ˈtɾampa/

“trampa” means “trap” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

trap, snare

Also: pitfall, hatch
NounfA2
A simple wooden box trap, baited with a small piece of cheese, resting on a patch of dirt and grass.

📝 In Action

Pusimos una trampa para ratones en la cocina.

A2

We put a mousetrap in the kitchen.

Ten cuidado, esa zona está llena de trampas naturales.

B1

Be careful, that area is full of natural traps (pitfalls).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cebo (bait)
  • foso (pit)

Common Collocations

  • poner una trampa – to set a trap
  • caer en la trampa – to fall into the trap

cheat, trick

Also: fraud, deception
NounfB1neutral/informal
Two children playing a board game. One child is discreetly hiding a die in their hand under the table while looking around mischievously.

📝 In Action

Hacer trampa en el examen es inaceptable.

B1

Cheating on the exam is unacceptable.

¡Me hiciste trampa! El juego no funciona así.

B1

You tricked me! The game doesn't work that way.

La oferta era una trampa para que firmáramos el contrato.

B2

The offer was a trick (a setup) to make us sign the contract.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • engaño (deception)
  • fraude (fraud)
  • pillería (prank/trick)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • hacer trampa – to cheat (most common verb phrase)
  • sin trampa ni cartón – without tricks/plain and simple

Idioms & Expressions

  • caer en la trampa – to be fooled or tricked
  • ser una trampa de oro – a desirable but risky situation (a gilded cage)

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: trampa

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'trampa' to mean an act of deception?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
tramposo(cheater (person)) — Noun
trampear(to trick / to cheat (verb)) — Verb
trampilla(small trapdoor) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
lámparaestampa
📚 Etymology▼

The word likely comes from the Gothic language (*thrampa*), referring to a device for catching or ensnaring. It has been used in Spanish since the Middle Ages, expanding its meaning from a literal physical trap to include tricks and deceit.

First recorded: 15th century (documented in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: trampaFrench: trappe

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'trampa' related to the English word 'tramp'?

They are not directly related. While 'trampa' comes from a root meaning 'snare' or 'trap,' the English 'tramp' (meaning a vagrant or heavy walking) has a separate Germanic origin.

If I want to say 'to cheat' in Spanish, should I use the verb 'trampar' or 'trampear'?

The most common construction is 'hacer trampa' (using the noun). If you need a dedicated verb, 'trampear' is often used, but 'trampar' is much rarer and sometimes regional.