Inklingo

How to Say "league" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forleagueis ligause 'liga' when referring to a sports competition, league, or a sports organization itself, like a professional football league.

liga🔊A2

Use 'liga' when referring to a sports competition, league, or a sports organization itself, like a professional football league.

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campeonato🔊B1

Choose 'campeonato' for a major sporting division or a championship event, often referring to the highest level of competition.

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federaciónB1

Use 'federación' for an official sports organization that governs a particular sport, like a national football federation.

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divisiónB1

Opt for 'división' when referring to a specific level or section within a larger sports organization or a business department.

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coaliciónB2

Use 'coalición' for a political or social alliance formed by different groups or parties for a common objective.

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uniónB2

Choose 'unión' to describe a formal grouping of states, countries, or clubs that have joined together, often for political or economic purposes.

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confederaciónB2

Use 'confederación' for a group of clubs, organizations, or states that have joined together, often with a looser structure than a federation.

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English → Spanish

liga

LEE-gahˈli.ɣa

nounA2sports
Use 'liga' when referring to a sports competition, league, or a sports organization itself, like a professional football league.
A shiny, golden championship trophy standing on a pedestal, surrounded by several small, colorful team flags representing a sports league.

Examples

Mi equipo favorito ganó la liga el año pasado.

My favorite team won the league last year.

Los tres países formaron una liga defensiva.

The three countries formed a defensive alliance.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'liga' ends in -a, remember it refers to a group or organization, acting as a simple feminine noun.

campeonato

kahm-peh-oh-NAH-tohkam.pe.oˈna.to

nounB1sports
Choose 'campeonato' for a major sporting division or a championship event, often referring to the highest level of competition.
A brightly colored illustration showing a tall, ornate gold championship trophy on a dark pedestal.

Examples

El equipo de baloncesto ganó el campeonato nacional.

The basketball team won the national championship.

El campeonato mundial de ajedrez se celebra cada dos años.

The world chess tournament is held every two years.

Participar en este campeonato requiere mucha disciplina.

Participating in this tournament requires a lot of discipline.

Always Masculine

Even though many Spanish words ending in -a are feminine, 'campeonato' ends in -o and is always masculine: 'el campeonato'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake:La campeonato

Correction: El campeonato. Remember that the suffix -ato is a strong marker for masculine nouns.

federación

nounB1sports
Use 'federación' for an official sports organization that governs a particular sport, like a national football federation.

Examples

La federación de fútbol anunció las nuevas reglas del torneo.

The football federation announced the new rules for the tournament.

división

nounB1sports
Opt for 'división' when referring to a specific level or section within a larger sports organization or a business department.

Examples

Ella trabaja en la división de ventas.

She works in the sales division.

coalición

nounB2politics, social
Use 'coalición' for a political or social alliance formed by different groups or parties for a common objective.

Examples

Tres partidos políticos formaron una coalición para ganar las elecciones.

Three political parties formed a coalition to win the elections.

unión

nounB2politics, international
Choose 'unión' to describe a formal grouping of states, countries, or clubs that have joined together, often for political or economic purposes.

Examples

La Unión Europea es un ejemplo de cooperación internacional.

The European Union is an example of international cooperation.

confederación

nounB2organizations, political
Use 'confederación' for a group of clubs, organizations, or states that have joined together, often with a looser structure than a federation.

Examples

La confederación de estudiantes apoya el nuevo plan.

The student confederation supports the new plan.

Sports Leagues vs. Organizations

Learners often confuse 'liga' with 'federación' or 'campeonato'. Remember that 'liga' is the most direct translation for a sports league a team competes in. 'Federación' refers to the governing body, and 'campeonato' is the event or the highest division itself.

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