Inklingo

How to Say "tournament" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tournament” is “campeonato” — use 'campeonato' for a championship, typically a major tournament that determines a winner in a sport or game over a series of matches..

campeonato🔊B1

Use 'campeonato' for a championship, typically a major tournament that determines a winner in a sport or game over a series of matches.

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torneo🔊A2

Use 'torneo' for a general series of sporting contests or matches, often at a local or school level, like a chess or tennis tournament.

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competiciónA2

Use 'competición' to refer to a sports event or contest in a broader sense, focusing on the act of competing rather than a specific tournament structure.

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concurso🔊A2

Use 'concurso' for a contest or competition, especially one involving skill or talent, which might include a series of matches or performances, like a talent show.

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justa🔊B2

Use 'justa' specifically for a historical joust or tournament, often involving knights and medieval combat.

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English → Spanish

campeonato

kahm-peh-oh-NAH-toh/kam.pe.oˈna.to/

nounB1general
Use 'campeonato' for a championship, typically a major tournament that determines a winner in a sport or game over a series of matches.
A brightly colored illustration showing a tall, ornate gold championship trophy on a dark pedestal.

Examples

El equipo de baloncesto ganó el campeonato nacional.

The basketball team won the national championship.

El campeonato mundial de ajedrez se celebra cada dos años.

The world chess tournament is held every two years.

Participar en este campeonato requiere mucha disciplina.

Participating in this tournament requires a lot of discipline.

Always Masculine

Even though many Spanish words ending in -a are feminine, 'campeonato' ends in -o and is always masculine: 'el campeonato'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La campeonato”

Correction: El campeonato. Remember that the suffix -ato is a strong marker for masculine nouns.

torneo

/tor-NEH-o//toɾˈneo/

nounA2general
Use 'torneo' for a general series of sporting contests or matches, often at a local or school level, like a chess or tennis tournament.
A shiny gold trophy sitting prominently on a three-tiered winner's podium on a green sports field, symbolizing the conclusion of a tournament.

Examples

Mi hermano ganó el torneo de ajedrez de la escuela.

My brother won the school's chess tournament.

Todos los equipos se preparan para el torneo de verano.

All the teams are preparing for the summer competition.

El club está organizando un gran torneo eliminatorio este mes.

The club is organizing a big knockout tournament this month.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-o', 'torneo' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'El torneo es mañana.'

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Voy a competir a el torneo.”

Correction: Voy a competir en el torneo. (Use 'en'—meaning 'in' or 'at'—to talk about participating in an event.)

competición

nounA2sports
Use 'competición' to refer to a sports event or contest in a broader sense, focusing on the act of competing rather than a specific tournament structure.

Examples

La competición de natación será mañana por la mañana.

The swimming competition will be tomorrow morning.

concurso

kon-KOOR-soh/koŋˈkuɾso/

nounA2general
Use 'concurso' for a contest or competition, especially one involving skill or talent, which might include a series of matches or performances, like a talent show.
A simplified illustration showing three figures on a winner's podium, with the central figure standing highest, holding a gold trophy.

Examples

¿Viste el concurso de talentos anoche? ¡Fue increíble!

Did you see the talent contest last night? It was incredible!

Ganó el primer premio en el concurso de fotografía.

She won the first prize in the photography competition.

Mucha gente se presentó al concurso para el nuevo puesto de trabajo.

Many people applied for the competition for the new job position.

Always Masculine

Remember to always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' before 'concurso,' even though it ends in '-o'.

Confusing 'Concurso' and 'Carrera'

Mistake: “Using 'carrera' for a talent show (e.g., 'carrera de talentos').”

Correction: 'Carrera' means 'race' or 'career.' Use 'concurso' for structured events where judges decide the winner.

justa

HOOS-tah/ˈxus.ta/

nounB2historical
Use 'justa' specifically for a historical joust or tournament, often involving knights and medieval combat.
Two armored knights on horseback charging toward each other with lances extended during a medieval jousting match.

Examples

El rey organizó una gran justa para celebrar la victoria.

The king organized a great joust to celebrate the victory.

La justa entre los dos caballeros fue épica.

The tournament between the two knights was epic.

Historical Context

This meaning of 'justa' usually refers to a specific type of competitive event from the Middle Ages, often involving knights and lances.

Torneo vs. Campeonato

Learners often confuse 'torneo' and 'campeonato'. While 'torneo' is a general term for a series of matches, 'campeonato' specifically implies a championship event, often at a higher or final level.

Related Translations

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