How to Say "national team" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “national team” is “selección” — use 'selección' when referring to a national team in a general sports context, especially when talking about its achievements or participation in competitions.
Use 'selección' when referring to a national team in a general sports context, especially when talking about its achievements or participation in competitions.
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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.
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Examples
La selección española de baloncesto es muy competitiva.
The Spanish national basketball team is very competitive.
seh-lek-syon-AH-dohseleksjoˈnaðo
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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