Inklingo

How to Say "sporty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deportista

/deh-por-TEES-tah//depoɾˈtista/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'deportista' to describe a person who enjoys or is skilled at playing sports and leads an active life.
A person dressed in a tracksuit holding a tennis racket and a soccer ball.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy deportista y va al gimnasio tres veces por semana.

My brother is very sporty and goes to the gym three times a week.

Mi familia no es muy deportista; preferimos leer.

My family isn't very sporty; we prefer reading.

Tiene un espíritu muy deportista y siempre acepta la derrota.

He has a very sporty spirit and always accepts defeat (good sportsmanship).

Describing groups

When using this word as a description (adjective) for a group, just add an 's': 'Mis amigos son muy deportistas.'

deportivo

/deh-por-TEE-boh//de.por.ˈti.βo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'deportivo' to describe things that are related to sports, such as clothing, equipment, or a car's style.
A person wearing a tracksuit and running shoes, looking ready for physical activity.

Examples

Me encanta este coche deportivo por su diseño aerodinámico.

I love this sporty car because of its aerodynamic design.

Ella siempre lleva ropa deportiva al gimnasio.

She always wears sports clothes to the gym.

El periodismo deportivo es muy popular en España.

Sports journalism is very popular in Spain.

Matching the Ending

This word changes its ending based on what you are describing. Use 'deportivo' for masculine words (el coche deportivo) and 'deportiva' for feminine words (la prensa deportiva).

Sport vs. Sporty

Mistake: “Me gusta el fútbol deportivo.”

Correction: Me gusta el deporte del fútbol.

Person vs. Style

The most common mistake is using 'deportivo' to describe a person. Remember, 'deportista' refers to someone who *is* sporty, while 'deportivo' describes things *related to* sports or a sporty aesthetic.

Related Translations

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