Inklingo

How to Say "winner" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ganador

gah-nah-DOR/ga.naˈðoɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'ganador' when referring to a male or unspecified gender winner in a competition or contest.
A smiling athlete standing on the top step of a victory podium holding a large gold trophy above their head.

Examples

El ganador de la lotería compró una casa nueva.

The winner of the lottery bought a new house.

El ganador de la carrera levantó el trofeo.

The winner of the race lifted the trophy.

¿Quién fue el ganador del debate anoche?

Who was the winner of the debate last night?

El equipo necesita un ganador, no solo un buen jugador.

The team needs a winner, not just a good player.

Gender Change

This word changes gender to match the person: 'ganador' is for a masculine winner, and 'ganadora' is for a feminine winner.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using the verb form when you need the noun: 'Él es el ganar.'”

Correction: Use the noun form: 'Él es el ganador.' (He is the winner.)

ganadora

/gah-nah-DOR-ah//ɡanaˈðoɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'ganadora' specifically when referring to a female winner in a competition or contest.
A happy woman holding a gold trophy over her head.

Examples

Ella fue la ganadora del concurso de belleza.

She was the winner of the beauty contest.

La ganadora del sorteo recibirá un viaje a España.

The winner of the raffle will receive a trip to Spain.

Ella fue la ganadora indiscutible de la carrera.

She was the undisputed winner of the race.

Feminine Ending

This word ends in 'a' because it specifically refers to a female winner. If you were talking about a male winner, you would use 'ganador'.

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “El ganadora”

Correction: La ganadora (or El ganador). Always match the 'the' (article) with the gender of the person.

campeón

nounA2general
Use 'campeón' to refer to a champion, typically the overall winner of a league, tournament, or a long-term competition.

Examples

El equipo se coronó campeón después de una temporada invicta.

The team was crowned champion after an undefeated season.

victor

BEEK-tor/ˈbiktoɾ/

nounC1literary
Use 'victor' in more formal or literary contexts, often referring to someone who has achieved a significant triumph, especially after a struggle.
A triumphant stylized figure standing on the highest step of a podium, raising a large golden trophy high above their head.

Examples

El general regresó como un victor aclamado por sus tropas.

The general returned as a victor acclaimed by his troops.

El victor fue recibido con honores a su regreso de la batalla.

The victor was received with honors upon his return from battle.

Solo un victor puede reclamar este premio.

Only a victor can claim this prize.

Masculine Noun

As a noun, 'victor' is always masculine, meaning you use 'el' before it (el victor) and the plural is 'los víctores'.

Gender and Specificity

The most common mistake is not accounting for grammatical gender. Always use 'ganador' for males or when gender is unknown, and 'ganadora' for females. 'Campeón' is usually for overall titles, not individual race wins, and 'victor' is rare in everyday speech.

Related Translations

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