trampas
/trahm-pahs/
cheating
Cheating (trampas) refers to misconduct, often in games or academic settings.
trampas(noun)
cheating
?academic or game misconduct
,tricks
?dishonest schemes or maneuvers
foul play
?sports or competition
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
Even when you are talking about a single act of cheating, Spanish usually uses the plural form 'trampas' with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular
Mistake: "Hizo una trampa en el juego."
Correction: Hizo trampas en el juego. (The singular 'una trampa' usually means a physical trap or snare.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Key Verb
Remember the whole phrase: 'hacer trampas' is the most common way to say 'to cheat' or 'to play tricks'.
Physical devices designed to catch something, like snares or cages, are known as traps (trampas).
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Literal Meaning
When 'trampas' refers to physical devices, it is the straightforward plural of 'trampa' (a trap).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'trampas' used with verbs like 'poner' (to set) or 'evitar' (to avoid), it most likely means physical traps or obstacles.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: trampas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'trampas' to mean 'cheating'?
📚 More Resources
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).