Inklingo

How to Say "rounds" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tiros

/TEE-rohs//ˈti.ɾos/

nounA2general
Use 'tiros' when referring to the act of shooting or the sound of gunshots, often implying ammunition being fired.
A cartoon illustration of an old black cannon firing a projectile. A large puff of gray smoke and a bright orange muzzle flash erupt from the barrel.

Examples

Se escucharon varios tiros cerca del parque.

Several shots were heard near the park.

La policía respondió al intercambio de tiros.

The police responded to the exchange of fire.

Plural Form

Remember that 'tiros' is the plural form of the masculine noun 'tiro'. It means multiple gunshots.

balas

/BAH-lahs//ˈbalas/

nounB1general
Use 'balas' specifically for the physical projectiles (bullets) themselves, often when referring to a quantity or supply.
Several shiny brass rifle bullets grouped together on a simple background.

Examples

Encontraron dos cajas de balas en el armario.

They found two boxes of bullets in the closet.

Se quedaron sin balas después del primer enfrentamiento.

They ran out of rounds after the first confrontation.

El escudo puede detener balas de bajo calibre.

The shield can stop low-caliber bullets.

Plural Form

Since 'balas' is the plural form of the feminine noun 'bala' (bullet), it always requires feminine plural determiners, like 'las' or 'algunas'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Los balas (using masculine article)”

Correction: Las balas (use the feminine article 'las' because 'bala' is feminine).

tragos

/TRAH-gos//ˈtɾa.ɣos/

nounA2informal
Use 'tragos' when talking about a round of drinks, especially when buying for a group or collectively having beverages.
Three colorful cocktail drinks (a red drink, a yellow drink, and a blue drink) in distinct glasses, garnished simply, sitting on a smooth table.

Examples

Vamos a tomar unos tragos después del trabajo para celebrar.

Let's go have some drinks after work to celebrate.

¿Quién invita los tragos esta noche?

Who's buying the drinks tonight?

Solo tomamos dos tragos, nada más.

We only had two drinks, nothing more.

Masculine Plural

Since the singular form is 'el trago,' the plural 'tragos' is also masculine. Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'los tragos fríos').

Confusing 'Trago' and 'Bebida'

Mistake: “Using 'trago' for any liquid, like water or juice.”

Correction: 'Trago' usually implies alcohol. Use 'bebida' or 'refresco' for non-alcoholic drinks.

Confusing 'tiros' and 'balas'

Learners often confuse 'tiros' (shots/shooting) with 'balas' (bullets). Remember that 'tiros' refers to the action or sound of firing, while 'balas' are the physical objects fired. Use 'tiros' for the event and 'balas' for the ammunition itself.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.