Inklingo

How to Say "jackpot" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bote

BOH-tayˈbo.te

nounC1general
Use 'bote' when referring to the total accumulated prize money in a lottery or a gambling game.
An enormous, overflowing pile of shiny gold coins and stacks of crisp paper currency resting on a simple green felt table.

Examples

El bote de la lotería de esta semana es de diez millones de euros.

This week's lottery jackpot is ten million euros.

Si nadie gana, el bote se acumula para el próximo sorteo.

If no one wins, the prize fund rolls over to the next drawing.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning extends the concept of 'bote' (container) to mean a metaphorical container holding money.

premio

PREH-mee-ohˈpɾe.mjo

nounB2general
Use 'premio' specifically for the grand or highest prize, especially in a well-known lottery like the Christmas lottery.
A small stack of colorful paper money next to a miniature house protected by a large, open umbrella.

Examples

El premio gordo de la lotería de Navidad es enorme este año.

The Christmas lottery jackpot is huge this year.

El premio del seguro de vida se paga trimestralmente.

The life insurance premium is paid quarterly.

Insurance Terminology

In insurance, 'premio' refers to the amount you pay regularly for coverage. Note that 'prima' is also very common for this meaning.

polla

POY-yahˈpoʝa

nounB1informal
Use 'polla' when talking about a pool of money collected for a specific bet or wager, often among a group of people.
A pile of colorful poker chips and gold coins on a green felt table.

Examples

Hicimos una polla en la oficina para el partido de fútbol.

We started a betting pool at the office for the soccer game.

Me gané la polla del domingo.

I won the Sunday jackpot.

Tengo que comprar mi boleto de la Polla Chilena.

I have to buy my ticket for the Chilean lottery.

Using 'la' with Polla

Even though this word ends in 'a' and is feminine, it is always used with 'la'. In a betting context, it refers to the collective pot of money.

Regional Confusion

Mistake: “Using this word in Spain to talk about a bet.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'porra' or 'apuesta.' Using 'polla' there will likely be misunderstood as a vulgarity.

Distinguishing 'Bote' and 'Premio'

Learners often confuse 'bote' and 'premio'. Remember that 'bote' refers to the total prize money available, while 'premio' specifically denotes the top or grand prize awarded.

Related Translations

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