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How to Say "tricks" in Spanish

English → Spanish

trucos

/TROO-kohs//ˈtɾukos/

nounA1general
Use this word for general tricks, especially those involving skill or magic, like those a magician performs.
A classic black magician's top hat sitting on a surface, from which a surprised white rabbit is emerging, illustrating a magic trick.

Examples

El mago nos mostró muchos trucos impresionantes.

The magician showed us many impressive tricks.

¿Conoces algún truco para estudiar mejor?

Do you know any tricks (or hacks) for studying better?

Estos trucos de cocina te ahorrarán mucho tiempo.

These cooking tips/hacks will save you a lot of time.

Plural Form

Since 'truco' (the singular form) ends in a vowel, you make it plural by simply adding '-s', resulting in 'trucos'.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'las trucos' or 'una truco'.”

Correction: Remember 'truco' is masculine (el truco), so use masculine articles: 'los trucos' or 'unos trucos'.

engaña

verbB1general
Use this when referring to the act of deceiving someone, often through a prank or a misleading appearance.

Examples

A veces, la apariencia engaña.

Sometimes, appearances are deceptive (literally: appearance deceives).

trampas

trahm-pahs/ˈtɾampas/

nounB1general
This word refers specifically to dishonest methods or cheating, often in games, exams, or competitions.
A storybook illustration showing a cartoon fox cheating at a simple card game against a rabbit by secretly hiding a card behind its back.

Examples

El profesor descubrió que algunos estudiantes hacían trampas en el examen final.

The professor discovered that some students were cheating on the final exam.

No me gusta jugar con él porque siempre hace trampas.

I don't like playing with him because he always uses tricks (cheats).

Usaron trampas fiscales para evadir impuestos, lo cual es ilegal.

They used tax tricks (schemes) to evade taxes, which is illegal.

Always Plural

Even when you are talking about a single act of cheating, Spanish usually uses the plural form 'trampas' with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make).

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Hizo una trampa en el juego.”

Correction: Hizo trampas en el juego. (The singular 'una trampa' usually means a physical trap or snare.)

burla

/BOOR-lah//ˈbuɾla/

verbB2general
Use this when someone cleverly outsmarts, evades, or mocks someone or something, often with agility or wit.
A clever fox jumping over a wooden fence to escape a pursuer.

Examples

El delantero burla a la defensa con facilidad.

The forward tricks the defense with ease.

Ella siempre burla la seguridad del edificio.

She always evades the building's security.

Burlar vs. Burlarse

On its own, 'burlar' means to trick or evade something. If you add 'se' (burlarse), it changes to mean 'to make fun of someone'.

Trucos vs. Trampas

Learners often confuse 'trucos' (general/magic tricks) with 'trampas' (cheating/dishonest schemes). Remember that 'trucos' can be positive or neutral, while 'trampas' always implies dishonesty or unfair play.

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