How to Say "athletic" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “athletic” is “deportista” — use 'deportista' to describe a person or family who actively participates in or enjoys sports as a lifestyle or habit..
deportista
/deh-por-TEES-tah//depoɾˈtista/
Examples
Mi hermano es muy deportista y va al gimnasio tres veces por semana.
My brother is very athletic and goes to the gym three times a week.
Mi familia no es muy deportista; preferimos leer.
My family isn't very sporty; we prefer reading.
Tiene un espíritu muy deportista y siempre acepta la derrota.
He has a very sporty spirit and always accepts defeat (good sportsmanship).
Describing groups
When using this word as a description (adjective) for a group, just add an 's': 'Mis amigos son muy deportistas.'
deportivo
/deh-por-TEE-boh//de.por.ˈti.βo/
Examples
Prefiero la ropa deportiva para estar cómoda.
I prefer athletic clothing to be comfortable.
Ella siempre lleva ropa deportiva al gimnasio.
She always wears sports clothes to the gym.
El periodismo deportivo es muy popular en España.
Sports journalism is very popular in Spain.
Matching the Ending
This word changes its ending based on what you are describing. Use 'deportivo' for masculine words (el coche deportivo) and 'deportiva' for feminine words (la prensa deportiva).
Sport vs. Sporty
Mistake: “Me gusta el fútbol deportivo.”
Correction: Me gusta el deporte del fútbol.
Person vs. Thing
Related Translations
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