Inklingo

How to Say "champion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forchampionis campeónuse 'campeón' for the winner of a competition, game, or league, like a sports team or individual athlete who has won.

campeónA2

Use 'campeón' for the winner of a competition, game, or league, like a sports team or individual athlete who has won.

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ganador🔊A2

Use 'ganador' to refer to the person who wins a specific race, contest, or competition, focusing on the act of winning.

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as🔊B1

Choose 'as' to describe a person who is exceptionally skilled or a top performer in a competitive field, like a pilot or musician.

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leónB1

Use 'león' metaphorically to describe someone who is a fierce fighter or incredibly determined in a specific situation, like a negotiation.

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valiente🔊B1

Use 'valiente' to describe someone who is brave and stands up for others or takes on a difficult, courageous task.

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príncipeB1

Use 'príncipe' metaphorically to denote someone considered the best or most influential figure in a particular field, especially in arts or culture.

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apóstolC1

Use 'apóstol' for someone who is a dedicated advocate or defender of a cause, movement, or belief system.

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English → Spanish

campeón

nounA2general
Use 'campeón' for the winner of a competition, game, or league, like a sports team or individual athlete who has won.

Examples

El equipo local es el campeón de la liga de baloncesto.

The local team is the champion of the basketball league.

ganador

gah-nah-DORga.naˈðoɾ

nounA2general
Use 'ganador' to refer to the person who wins a specific race, contest, or competition, focusing on the act of winning.
A smiling athlete standing on the top step of a victory podium holding a large gold trophy above their head.

Examples

El ganador de la carrera levantó el trofeo.

The winner of the race lifted the trophy.

¿Quién fue el ganador del debate anoche?

Who was the winner of the debate last night?

El equipo necesita un ganador, no solo un buen jugador.

The team needs a winner, not just a good player.

Gender Change

This word changes gender to match the person: 'ganador' is for a masculine winner, and 'ganadora' is for a feminine winner.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake:Using the verb form when you need the noun: 'Él es el ganar.'

Correction: Use the noun form: 'Él es el ganador.' (He is the winner.)

as

ahsas

nounB1general
Choose 'as' to describe a person who is exceptionally skilled or a top performer in a competitive field, like a pilot or musician.
A stylized figure standing on the top tier of a winner's podium, wearing a laurel wreath and holding a shiny golden trophy high above their head.

Examples

Ese piloto es un as de la Fórmula 1.

That driver is an ace/star of Formula 1.

La nueva abogada resultó ser un as en la corte.

The new lawyer turned out to be an ace in court.

Gender Usage

When referring to a person (male or female), 'as' always uses the masculine article ('un as', 'el as'), even if the person is female. For example: 'Ella es el as del equipo' (She is the team's ace).

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake:La as del fútbol.

Correction: El as del fútbol. Remember, the noun 'as' itself is masculine, even if the person it describes is a woman.

león

nounB1figurative
Use 'león' metaphorically to describe someone who is a fierce fighter or incredibly determined in a specific situation, like a negotiation.

Examples

Mi jefe es un león para negociar, nunca pierde.

My boss is a lion when negotiating; he never loses.

valiente

vah-lyen-tehbaˈljen̪te

nounB1general
Use 'valiente' to describe someone who is brave and stands up for others or takes on a difficult, courageous task.

Examples

Solo un valiente se atrevería a cruzar ese río a nado.

Only a brave person (or a hero) would dare cross that river by swimming.

Todos lo recordarán como un valiente que luchó hasta el final.

Everyone will remember him as a brave one who fought until the end.

Adjective to Noun

Spanish often turns adjectives into nouns by putting an article (like 'el' or 'la') right before them. So, 'la valiente' means 'the brave woman' and 'los valientes' means 'the brave people'.

príncipe

nounB1figurative
Use 'príncipe' metaphorically to denote someone considered the best or most influential figure in a particular field, especially in arts or culture.

Examples

Es considerado el príncipe de la literatura moderna.

He is considered the master/prince of modern literature.

apóstol

nounC1figurative
Use 'apóstol' for someone who is a dedicated advocate or defender of a cause, movement, or belief system.

Examples

José Martí es considerado el apóstol de la independencia cubana.

José Martí is considered the apostle of Cuban independence.

Campeón vs. Ganador

Learners often confuse 'campeón' and 'ganador'. Remember that 'campeón' usually refers to the title holder of a league or championship, while 'ganador' simply means the one who won a specific event or contest.

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