How to Say "roster" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “roster” is “lista” — use 'lista' for a general list of names, such as for a class, a shopping list, or a basic team list without specific athletic context.
lista
lees-tah'lista
Examples
Hice una lista de la compra.
I made a shopping list.
Tu nombre no está en la lista de invitados.
Your name isn't on the guest list.
El profesor va a pasar lista ahora.
The teacher is going to take attendance now.
Always Feminine: 'la lista'
When 'lista' means a list, it's a feminine noun. That means you'll always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la lista' (the list) or 'una lista' (a list).
plantilla
plan-TEE-yahplanˈtiʝa
Examples
La empresa tiene una plantilla de cincuenta empleados.
The company has a staff of fifty employees.
El Real Madrid anunció su plantilla para la Champions.
Real Madrid announced its roster for the Champions League.
Es difícil mantener una plantilla motivada.
It is difficult to keep a workforce motivated.
Group Noun
Like the word 'family,' 'plantilla' is a single group. Even though it means many people, the verb stays singular: 'La plantilla es...' (The staff is...).
Confusing with Personal
Mistake: “Saying 'mi personal' when you mean your specific group of coworkers.”
Correction: Use 'mi plantilla' or 'mis compañeros' for a specific work group.
alineación
Examples
El entrenador aún no ha confirmado la alineación para el partido de mañana.
The coach hasn't confirmed the lineup for tomorrow's game yet.
plantel
plan-TELplanˈtel
Examples
El equipo renovó a todo su plantel para la nueva temporada.
The team renewed its entire squad for the new season.
El plantel docente se reunirá mañana para discutir los cambios.
The teaching staff will meet tomorrow to discuss the changes.
Contamos con un plantel de expertos en tecnología.
We have a staff of technology experts.
A group word
Even though 'plantel' refers to many people, the word itself is singular. Use singular verbs, like 'El plantel está listo' (The squad is ready).
Professional touch
While 'equipo' means team, 'plantel' sounds more official or professional, often used in news reports or formal business contexts.
Referring to one person
Mistake: “Él es un buen plantel.”
Correction: Él es parte del plantel.
elenco
eh-LEN-koheˈlen.ko
Examples
El elenco de la obra ensayó durante tres meses.
The cast of the play rehearsed for three months.
Esta película tiene un elenco estelar.
This movie has an all-star cast.
La empresa presentó a su elenco de expertos en la conferencia.
The company presented its roster of experts at the conference.
One word, many people
Even though an 'elenco' refers to a group of people, it is a singular word. This means you should use singular verbs, like 'El elenco es bueno' (The cast is good) instead of 'son buenos'.
Matching your adjectives
Because 'elenco' is a masculine noun, any describing words must also be masculine. Always use 'el' and 'un' with this word.
Cast vs. Casta
Mistake: “La casta de la película es famosa.”
Correction: El elenco de la película es famoso. 'Casta' refers to a social class or lineage, not a group of actors.
Mixing up 'elenco' and 'reparto'
Mistake: “None (both are often fine), but 'elenco' is more common for the group as a whole.”
Correction: Use 'elenco' when talking about the group of performers, and 'reparto' when talking about the list of roles/credits.
nómina
Examples
El seleccionador anunció la nómina de jugadores convocados.
The coach announced the roster of players called up.
Sports vs. General Lists
Related Translations
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