Inklingo

How to Say "match" in Spanish

English → Spanish

partido

/par-TEE-doh//paɾˈti.ðo/

nounA1sports competition
Use 'partido' when referring to a sports competition or game, like soccer or basketball.
Two stylized figures kicking a soccer ball on a green field, representing a game.

Examples

¿A qué hora es el partido de fútbol?

What time is the soccer game?

Vimos un partido de tenis increíble ayer.

We watched an incredible tennis match yesterday.

El resultado del partido fue inesperado.

The result of the match was unexpected.

encuentro

/en-KWEN-tro//enˈkwentɾo/

nounA2sports
Use 'encuentro' for a sports match or a more formal meeting, implying a specific encounter.
Two friendly people smiling and shaking hands warmly in a bright green park, symbolizing a planned meeting or get-together.

Examples

Tengo un encuentro con mi jefe a las diez.

I have a meeting with my boss at ten.

Fue un encuentro casual en el supermercado.

It was a chance encounter at the supermarket.

El encuentro de fútbol fue muy emocionante.

The soccer match was very exciting.

competición

nounA2sports
Use 'competición' for a sports competition or contest, often a more organized event than a simple 'partido'.

Examples

La competición de natación será mañana por la mañana.

The swimming competition will be tomorrow morning.

juego

/khweh-go//ˈxweɣo/

nounA2matching item
Use 'juego' when referring to a set or collection of matching items, like a set of keys or a game.
A perfectly organized ceramic tea set, including four matching cups, saucers, and a teapot, demonstrating a collection of items.

Examples

Necesito un nuevo juego de llaves.

I need a new set of keys.

El sofá viene con un juego de cojines.

The sofa comes with a set of cushions.

Este collar hace juego con tus aretes.

This necklace matches your earrings.

pareja

pah-REH-hah/paˈɾe.xa/

nounA2something that corresponds to another
Use 'pareja' specifically when talking about a pair of things that correspond to each other, like socks or shoes.
Two identical, brightly colored striped socks lying flat next to each other on a simple background, representing a pair.

Examples

No encuentro la otra pareja del calcetín.

I can't find the other sock (of the pair).

Formaremos parejas para el ejercicio.

We will form pairs for the exercise.

Pareja vs. Par

Both mean 'pair'. 'Par' (masculine) is generally used when talking about exact quantities (e.g., three pairs of shoes: 'tres pares de zapatos'). 'Pareja' (feminine) is often used when emphasizing the match or coupling (e.g., dance partners, or a specific matching item).

Using 'Pareja' for Even Numbers

Mistake: “Este número es pareja.”

Correction: Use 'par' for the adjective 'even': 'Este número es par.' ('This number is even.')

Sports vs. Sets vs. Pairs

The most common mistake is using 'partido' or 'encuentro' for sets of items or pairs. Remember, 'partido' and 'encuentro' are almost exclusively for sports or meetings. For items that go together, use 'juego' for a set and 'pareja' for a pair.

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