Inklingo

How to Say "red card" in Spanish

English → Spanish

roja

ROH-hahˈro.xa

nounB2sports
Use 'la roja' when referring specifically to the red card itself as a noun, commonly used in sports like soccer to signify a dismissal.
A close-up illustration of a referee's hand holding up a rectangular red card against a green field backdrop.

Examples

El delantero recibió la roja por protestar al árbitro.

The striker received the red card for arguing with the referee.

Le sacaron la roja y su equipo se quedó con diez jugadores.

They gave him the red card and his team was left with ten players.

A Shortened Noun

When used as a noun, 'la roja' is a common shorthand for 'la tarjeta roja' (the red card). Since 'tarjeta' is feminine, we keep the feminine article 'la' and the adjective 'roja'.

tarjeta

/tar-HEH-tah//taɾˈxeta/

nounB2sports
Use 'tarjeta roja' as the complete phrase for 'red card', emphasizing the object shown by the referee to indicate a serious offense.
A hand holding a bright red rectangular penalty card high in the air against a simple green background.

Examples

El árbitro le mostró la tarjeta roja después de la falta.

The referee showed him the red card after the foul.

Ya tiene una tarjeta amarilla, debe jugar con cuidado.

He already has a yellow card; he must play carefully.

Using 'Roja' vs. 'Tarjeta Roja'

Learners might sometimes use 'roja' alone when they mean the full term 'tarjeta roja'. While 'roja' is understood in context, 'tarjeta roja' is the more complete and formal way to say 'red card'.

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