Inklingo

How to Say "king" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rey

rreyrei̯

NounA1General
Use 'rey' for a male monarch or ruler, as well as for the king in chess or playing cards, or when referring to someone as the best or most important in a field.
A man wearing a golden crown and a regal red cloak, sitting on a simple throne, representing a monarch.

Examples

El rey de España se llama Felipe VI.

The king of Spain is named Felipe VI.

La corona del rey era de oro puro.

The king's crown was made of pure gold.

Los Reyes Magos traen regalos a los niños el 6 de enero.

The Three Wise Men (literally, 'Magic Kings') bring gifts to children on January 6th.

En ajedrez, si pierdes tu rey, pierdes el juego.

In chess, if you lose your king, you lose the game.

Feminine and Plural Forms

The female version is 'reina' (queen). For the plural, 'reyes' can mean 'kings,' but it can also mean 'the king and queen' together, just like 'padres' can mean 'parents'.

Capitalization

Mistake: “El Rey de España es Felipe. / El rey Felipe es de España.”

Correction: Use a capital letter for 'Rey' only when it's used as a formal title without the name (e.g., 'el Rey viajará...') or right before the name ('el Rey Felipe VI'). In general conversation, it's lowercase: 'El rey vive en un palacio'.

faraón

NounA2Historical
Use 'faraón' specifically for a historical ruler of ancient Egypt.

Examples

El faraón fue enterrado en una pirámide gigante.

The pharaoh was buried in a giant pyramid.

dama

DAH-mahˈda.ma

NounB2Games
Use 'dama' for the promoted piece in the game of checkers (draughts).
A round red checker piece that has been crowned with a small second piece placed on top of it, sitting on a wooden checkerboard.

Examples

Mi ficha se convirtió en dama y ahora puedo moverme hacia atrás.

My piece became a king, and now I can move backward.

Para hacer una dama, tienes que llegar a la última fila del tablero.

To make a king (crowned piece), you have to reach the back row of the board.

Double Meaning in Games

Notice how 'dama' means 'Queen' in chess but 'King' (the promoted piece) in checkers. Context is everything when talking about board games!

Rey vs. Dama in Games

The most common mistake is using 'rey' when referring to the promoted piece in checkers. Remember that in Spanish checkers, this piece is called 'dama', while 'rey' is used for the king in chess.

Related Translations

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