Inklingo

How to Say "referee" in Spanish

English → Spanish

árbitro

nounA2sports
Use 'árbitro' for the official who enforces the rules in sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis.

Examples

El árbitro pitó el final del partido.

The referee blew the whistle for the end of the match.

juez

hwehs/xweθ/ (Spain) or /xwɛs/ (Americas)

nounB1sports (less common than 'árbitro' but used)
Use 'juez' for officials in sports where scores are awarded, such as figure skating or gymnastics.
A person in everyday clothes sitting at a table, holding a clipboard and a pen, intently watching an unseen event to score it, representing a competition judge.

Examples

Los jueces de patinaje le dieron una puntuación perfecta.

The skating judges gave him a perfect score.

Faltó un juez y la competencia se retrasó.

One judge was missing and the competition was delayed.

Using the Plural

To talk about more than one judge, you just add '-ces' to the end: 'jueces'. The stress stays on the 'e'.

referencia

reh-feh-REHN-syahrefeˈrenθja

nounB2professional/academic
Use 'referencia' when talking about a person who can vouch for your qualifications or character, usually in a professional or academic context.
A distinguished mentor figure confidently handing a tightly rolled parchment scroll, symbolizing a recommendation letter, to a younger, professional figure.

Examples

Necesitas tres referencias personales para el puesto de trabajo.

You need three personal references for the job position.

Mi antiguo jefe me dio una excelente referencia.

My old boss gave me an excellent reference.

Por favor, incluya el nombre y contacto de su referencia laboral.

Please include the name and contact information of your employment reference.

The Verb 'Dar'

In this specific context (job applications), the verb used is usually 'dar' (to give): 'dar una referencia' means to provide a recommendation.

Sports Officials vs. Personal References

The most common mistake is using 'referencia' for a sports referee. Remember, 'referencia' is for a person providing a recommendation, while 'árbitro' and 'juez' are for officials in a game or competition.

Related Translations

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