Inklingo

How to Say "national team" in Spanish

English → Spanish

selección

nounB1sports
Use 'selección' when referring to a national team in a general sports context, especially when talking about its achievements or participation in competitions.

Examples

La selección española de baloncesto es muy competitiva.

The Spanish national basketball team is very competitive.

seleccionado

seh-lek-syon-AH-dohseleksjoˈnaðo

nounB1sports
Use 'seleccionado' primarily in Latin America to refer to the national team as a whole group or squad, often when discussing their arrival or presence.
A soccer player in a bright jersey standing proudly on a field holding a ball.

Examples

El seleccionado colombiano de fútbol ya está en la ciudad.

The Colombian national football team is already in the city.

El seleccionado argentino llegó hoy al país.

The Argentine national team arrived in the country today.

Varios seleccionados están lesionados para el próximo partido.

Several national team players are injured for the next match.

Es el sueño de todo joven ser un seleccionado nacional.

It is every young person's dream to be a national team player.

Group vs. Individual

In many countries, 'el seleccionado' refers to the whole team as one unit. If you are talking about just one player, you also say 'un seleccionado'.

Selección vs. Seleccionado

The most common mistake is using 'seleccionado' outside of Latin America or when referring to the team's performance rather than the group of players. Stick to 'selección' for general sports contexts unless you are specifically in Latin America and referring to the squad as a collective unit.

Related Translations

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