Inklingo

How to Say "race" in Spanish

English → Spanish

carrera

/kah-RREH-rrah//kaˈreɾa/

nounA2General
Use 'carrera' when referring to a competition of speed, such as a running race, car race, or horse race.
Three stylized runners sprinting intensely on a red track toward a clearly marked finish line banner, illustrating a competition of speed.

Examples

Mi hermano ganó la carrera de 100 metros.

My brother won the 100-meter race.

La carrera de Fórmula 1 fue muy emocionante.

The Formula 1 race was very exciting.

Vamos a echar una carrera hasta la esquina.

Let's have a race to the corner.

raza

RAH-sahˈraθa

nounB2Formal/Informal
Use 'raza' to refer to a specific ethnic or human group, often in discussions about ancestry or cultural background. Use with caution and sensitivity.
A colorful illustration of three simple, stylized human figures standing together, showcasing different skin tones and hair textures, symbolizing a human group or race.

Examples

La diversidad de razas en la ciudad es impresionante.

The diversity of ethnic groups in the city is impressive.

El museo celebra la historia de todas las razas.

The museum celebrates the history of all races/ethnicities.

Always Feminine

Remember to use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with 'raza': 'la raza humana' (the human race).

Confusing 'carrera' and 'raza'

The most common mistake is using 'raza' when you mean a competition. Remember that 'carrera' is for speed contests, while 'raza' refers to human groups. Avoid using 'carrera' for people's origins.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.