Inklingo

How to Say "goalie" in Spanish

English → Spanish

portero

por-TEH-rohpoɾˈteɾo

nounA1informal sports term
Use 'portero' as the general and most common term for 'goalie' in most Spanish-speaking regions and for most sports, especially soccer.
A soccer goalkeeper wearing gloves and a colorful uniform is diving to catch a soccer ball in front of a goal net.

Examples

El portero atajó el penalti en el último minuto.

The goalkeeper saved the penalty in the last minute.

Mi hijo quiere ser portero cuando sea grande.

My son wants to be a goalie when he grows up.

Gender Change for People

Since 'portero' refers to a person, it changes form for women: 'la portera'. Remember to change the article ('el' to 'la') too.

arquero

ar-KEH-roharˈkeɾo

nounA2informal sports talk
Use 'arquero' in regions or specific sports where it is the preferred term for 'goalie', such as in some South American countries or for sports like field hockey.
A soccer goalkeeper in a yellow jersey diving to catch a ball near a goal net.

Examples

El arquero hizo una atajada increíble en el último minuto.

The goalkeeper made an incredible save in the last minute.

Nuestro arquero titular está lesionado y no podrá jugar el domingo.

Our starting goalie is injured and won't be able to play on Sunday.

Para ser un buen arquero, se necesita mucha agilidad y reflejos rápidos.

To be a good goalkeeper, you need a lot of agility and quick reflexes.

Choosing the right word for the role

While 'arquero' is the standard word in most of Latin America, people in Spain will almost always say 'portero' for a goalkeeper.

Confusing with 'Portero'

Mistake: “Using 'arquero' in Spain to describe a person who guards a building entrance.”

Correction: In Spain, 'portero' means both goalkeeper and doorman. 'Arquero' only refers to the athlete.

Portero vs. Arquero

The most common mistake is assuming 'arquero' is as universally understood as 'portero'. While both are correct, 'portero' is the safer, more widely recognized choice for 'goalie' in general Spanish conversation.

Related Translations

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