How to Say "lap" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “lap” is “vuelta” — use this word when referring to one complete circuit or circuit of a race track, like in running or car racing..
vuelta
/bwel-ta//ˈbwelta/
Examples
El corredor completó la última vuelta en menos de un minuto.
The runner completed the last lap in under a minute.
El coche dio una vuelta completa y se detuvo.
The car made a full turn and stopped.
El corredor va por su última vuelta.
The runner is on his last lap.
etapa
eh-TAH-pah/eˈtapa/
Examples
La etapa de hoy fue especialmente dura para los ciclistas.
Today's stage was especially hard for the cyclists.
El ciclista ganó la etapa de montaña hoy por solo diez segundos.
The cyclist won the mountain stage today by only ten seconds.
La segunda etapa del viaje nos lleva a través del desierto.
The second leg of the trip takes us across the desert.
Sports Vocabulary
In professional cycling (like the Tour de France), 'etapa' is the standard word for one day's segment of the race.
rodillas
roh-DEE-yas/roˈði.ʝas/
Examples
El niño se sentó en mi regazo, apoyando la cabeza en mis rodillas.
The child sat on my lap, resting his head on my knees.
Me golpeé las rodillas jugando al fútbol.
I hit my knees playing soccer.
El bebé se sentó en las rodillas de su madre.
The baby sat on his mother's lap.
Se puso de rodillas para pedir perdón.
He got down on his knees to ask for forgiveness.
Plural Form Only
Although the singular is 'rodilla' (knee), the plural 'rodillas' is used very frequently, especially when talking about both knees.
Using Articles with Body Parts
In Spanish, you often use 'el,' 'la,' 'los,' or 'las' (the definite articles) instead of 'mi' or 'tu' (possessive words) when talking about body parts, like 'Me duelen las rodillas' (My knees hurt).
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “El rodillas”
Correction: Las rodillas. Remember that 'rodilla' is a feminine noun, so it always uses 'la' or 'las'.
Race Laps vs. Race Stages
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