Inklingo

How to Say "champion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “champion” is “campeón” — use 'campeón' when referring to the winner of a competition, league, or tournament..

English → Spanish

campeón

nounA2general
Use 'campeón' when referring to the winner of a competition, league, or tournament.

Examples

El Real Madrid es el campeón de la liga.

Real Madrid is the champion of the league.

ganador

gah-nah-DOR/ga.naˈðoɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'ganador' to specifically mean the person who won a race, game, or any contest.
A smiling athlete standing on the top step of a victory podium holding a large gold trophy above their head.

Examples

El ganador recibió una medalla de oro.

The winner received a gold medal.

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

/ahs//as/

nounB1general
Use 'as' to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled or a top performer in a specific field, like sports or a profession.
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 a heroic figure, especially in overcoming challenges.

Examples

Mi jefe es un león para negociar, nunca pierde.

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

príncipe

nounB1figurative
Use 'príncipe' to refer to someone considered the best or leading figure in a particular art, field, or domain.

Examples

Es considerado el príncipe de la literatura moderna.

He is considered the master/prince of modern literature.

Winner vs. Top Performer

Learners often confuse 'campeón'/'ganador' (winner) with 'as' (top performer). Remember, 'campeón' and 'ganador' refer to the person who actually won a specific contest, while 'as' describes someone's consistent excellence and skill in their field.

Related Translations

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