truco
“truco” means “trick” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
trick, stunt
Also: illusion
📝 In Action
El mago hizo un truco impresionante con pañuelos.
A2The magician did an impressive trick with handkerchiefs.
¿Conoces algún truco de magia fácil para niños?
A2Do you know any easy magic tricks for children?
tip, hack
Also: gimmick, knack
📝 In Action
Mi abuela me enseñó un truco para que el pan no se seque.
B1My grandmother taught me a tip/hack so the bread doesn't dry out.
Este programa tiene un truco que acelera la descarga de archivos.
B2This program has a special feature/gimmick that speeds up file downloading.
ploy, deception
Also: ruse
📝 In Action
Todo fue un truco para distraer a los guardias y robar el cuadro.
B2It was all a deception/ploy to distract the guards and steal the painting.
La publicidad usó un truco visual para hacer parecer el producto más grande.
C1The advertisement used a visual trick to make the product look bigger.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: truco
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'truco' in the sense of a 'helpful tip' or 'hack'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word likely comes from the ancient Germanic root *truk*, related to circular movement or rolling. It passed into Romance languages, eventually meaning a clever turn, maneuver, or artifice, especially in games, leading to the sense of a 'trick' or 'ploy.'
First recorded: 15th century (documented in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'truco' y 'trampa'?
Un 'truco' (truco) es una técnica, un secreto o una maniobra inteligente (que puede ser honesta o deshonesta). Una 'trampa' (trampa) es específicamente algo que rompe las reglas, un fraude o un dispositivo para capturar algo. Si haces algo ingenioso pero honesto, es un 'truco'. Si haces algo deshonesto para ganar, es una 'trampa'.
How do I use 'truco' when talking about Halloween?
When referring to 'trick or treat' in Spanish, the phrase is usually 'truco o trato' (mainly Spain) or 'dulce o truco' (common in Latin America), though many regions simply use the English phrase or their own unique terms.