Inklingo

How to Say "to score" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to score” is “marcar” — use 'marcar' when you are noting or recording something, such as errors, points on a scoreboard, or even physically marking a spot..

English → Spanish

marcar

verbA2general
Use 'marcar' when you are noting or recording something, such as errors, points on a scoreboard, or even physically marking a spot.

Examples

El árbitro marcó un penal.

The referee signaled/called a penalty.

meter

/meh-TEHR//meˈteɾ/

verbB2sports
Use 'meter' specifically when talking about successfully achieving a goal or point in a sport.
A bright soccer ball flying through the air and just entering the white netting of a soccer goal.

Examples

Messi metió tres goles en el partido.

Messi scored three goals in the match.

El delantero logró meter un gol en el último minuto.

The striker managed to score a goal in the last minute.

Vamos a meter todo nuestro esfuerzo en este proyecto.

We are going to put all our effort into this project.

Metieron varios millones de dólares en la nueva empresa.

They invested several million dollars in the new company.

Figurative Use

This meaning is an extension of the basic 'put inside' idea—you are putting the goal into the net, or putting money/effort into a venture.

Overusing 'Meter'

Mistake: “Hicimos un gol.”

Correction: Metimos un gol. ('Hacer un gol' is understandable, but 'meter un gol' is the most natural and common way to express scoring in football/soccer in many Spanish-speaking countries.)

Marcar vs. Meter for Scoring

Learners often confuse 'marcar' and 'meter' because both can relate to points. Remember, 'marcar' is broader and includes noting points or calling fouls, while 'meter' is strictly for the act of achieving a goal in sports.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.