Inklingo

How to Say "riddle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acertijo

ah-ser-TEE-hoaserˈtixo

nounB1general
Use 'acertijo' specifically for a word game or question designed to be guessed, often with a playful or clever answer.
A friendly orange fox in a forest looking at a mysterious, glowing wooden box.

Examples

Tengo un acertijo para ti: ¿qué tiene llaves pero no abre puertas?

I have a riddle for you: what has keys but doesn't open doors?

Me encanta resolver acertijos matemáticos en mi tiempo libre.

I love solving math puzzles in my free time.

Su comportamiento es un auténtico acertijo para todos nosotros.

His behavior is a real enigma to all of us.

Masculine Ending

Since it ends in '-o', it is almost always masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Difference from 'Rompecabezas'

While 'acertijo' is a riddle or logic puzzle, a physical jigsaw puzzle is called a 'rompecabezas' (literally: 'head-breaker').

Puzzle vs. Acertijo

Mistake: “Using 'puzzle' (the Spanish borrowed word) for a verbal riddle.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'puzzle' usually refers specifically to a jigsaw puzzle with pieces. Use 'acertijo' for verbal games or logic mysteries.

enigma

eh-NEE-maheˈniɡma

nounB1general
Choose 'enigma' for a person, situation, or question that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
A mysterious figure in a long coat standing before a giant, glowing question mark in a misty forest.

Examples

Su vida privada siempre ha sido un enigma para la prensa.

His private life has always been an enigma to the press.

Resolver el enigma del universo es el sueño de muchos científicos.

Solving the mystery of the universe is the dream of many scientists.

Nadie pudo descifrar el enigma que dejó el abuelo en su testamento.

No one could decipher the riddle that the grandfather left in his will.

The 'Ma' Rule

Even though this word ends in '-a', it is actually masculine. Always use masculine words like 'el' or 'un' with it.

Describing an Enigma

When you use adjectives to describe 'enigma', they must also be masculine (e.g., 'el enigma resuelto' not 'resuelta').

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “La enigma es difícil.”

Correction: El enigma es difícil. Because this word comes from Greek, it uses masculine articles despite ending in 'a'.

rompecabezas

rrom-peh-cah-BEH-sasrompeˈkaβesas

nounB1general
Use 'rompecabezas' to refer to a complex problem or situation that is difficult to solve, much like a difficult puzzle.
A thick, brightly colored rope tied into an extremely complex, tight knot that appears impossible to untangle.

Examples

La crisis económica se ha convertido en un verdadero rompecabezas para los políticos.

The economic crisis has become a real conundrum for the politicians.

El detective intentó resolver el rompecabezas del crimen.

The detective tried to solve the riddle of the crime.

Choosing between acertijo, enigma, and rompecabezas

Learners often use 'acertijo' for any type of puzzle. Remember, 'acertijo' is best for word games. Use 'enigma' for mysterious situations or people, and 'rompecabezas' for complex problems that need solving.

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