trampas
“trampas” means “cheating” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cheating, tricks
Also: foul play
📝 In Action
El profesor descubrió que algunos estudiantes hacían trampas en el examen final.
B1The professor discovered that some students were cheating on the final exam.
No me gusta jugar con él porque siempre hace trampas.
A2I don't like playing with him because he always uses tricks (cheats).
Usaron trampas fiscales para evadir impuestos, lo cual es ilegal.
B2They used tax tricks (schemes) to evade taxes, which is illegal.
traps
Also: snares
📝 In Action
Pusimos varias trampas para cazar ratones en el sótano.
A2We set several traps to catch mice in the basement.
Las trampas en la selva eran difíciles de evitar.
B1The traps in the jungle were difficult to avoid.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: trampas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'trampas' to mean 'cheating'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the root *tramp-* which is related to stepping, stamping, or a foot mechanism. It originally referred to a physical device (a snare or trap) that works when stepped on, and later evolved to mean a deceitful trick or unfair advantage.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'trampas' only used in the plural?
For the meaning of 'cheating' or 'dishonest behavior,' yes, you almost always use the plural 'trampas' (e.g., 'hacer trampas'). However, if you are talking about one single physical device, you would use the singular noun 'la trampa' (the trap).
What is the difference between 'trampas' and 'trucos'?
'Trampas' specifically implies dishonesty, rule-breaking, or unfair advantage (cheating). 'Trucos' means general 'tricks' or 'gimmicks,' which can be clever or deceptive, but not necessarily illegal or unfair in a game (like a magic trick).