How to Say "courts" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “courts” is “tribunales” — use 'tribunales' when referring to the judicial system, legal institutions, or the formal legal proceedings in a court of law..
tribunales
/tree-boo-NAH-less//tɾiβuˈnales/
Examples
El caso será juzgado en los tribunales de la ciudad.
The case will be judged in the city's courts.
El caso llegará a los tribunales el próximo mes.
The case will reach the courts next month.
Los tribunales de justicia deben ser imparciales.
The courts of justice must be impartial.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'es', it's a masculine word. Always use 'los' before 'tribunales'.
Plural Use
While 'tribunal' means a single court, we often use the plural 'tribunales' to talk about the entire legal system or the justice process in general.
Tribunales vs. Tribunas
Mistake: “Using 'tribunales' to refer to stadium seating.”
Correction: Use 'tribunas' for the stands in a stadium; 'tribunales' is strictly for legal or judging contexts.
cortes
kor-tes/ˈkoɾtes/
Examples
La reina convocó a las cortes para discutir la nueva ley.
The queen summoned the courts to discuss the new law.
Las Cortes Generales aprobaron el presupuesto nacional.
The Parliament approved the national budget.
Durante la Edad Media, las cortes eran el centro del poder.
During the Middle Ages, the royal courts were the center of power.
Gender Distinction
When referring to a judicial or royal court, the singular noun is feminine (la corte), and the plural is las cortes. This helps distinguish it from the masculine noun for 'cuts'.
pistas
/PEES-tas//ˈpistas/
Examples
Los niños juegan al baloncesto en las pistas del parque.
The children play basketball on the courts in the park.
Las pistas de tenis están recién pintadas.
The tennis courts are newly painted.
El avión espera la autorización para usar las pistas de aterrizaje.
The plane is waiting for clearance to use the runways.
Context is Key
When you hear 'pistas', look at the surrounding words. If they mention sports or travel, it likely means a physical track or lane. If they mention mysteries or questions, it means 'clues'.
Mixing up 'Pistas' and 'Caminos'
Mistake: “Using 'pistas' for a general hiking path.”
Correction: Use 'sendero' or 'camino' for a general path. 'Pista' implies a specially prepared or marked surface (like a running track or a ski slope).
Court vs. Playing Field
Related Translations
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