Inklingo

How to Say "wrestling" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lucha

/LOO-cha//ˈlut͡ʃa/

nounA2sport
Use 'lucha' when referring to the sport or competitive activity of wrestling, such as 'lucha libre'.
Two stylized figures grappling intensely in a wrestling hold, illustrating a physical fight.

Examples

En México, la lucha libre es muy popular.

In Mexico, freestyle wrestling is very popular.

Hubo una breve lucha entre los dos niños por el juguete.

There was a brief fight between the two children over the toy.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though many nouns ending in -a are feminine, remember that lucha specifically takes the feminine article (la lucha).

luchando

loo-CHAHN-doh/luˈtʃan̪.do/

gerundA2general
Use 'luchando' to describe the ongoing physical action of struggling or fighting, often in a non-sport context.
Two simplified figures wrestling intensely on a mat, locked in a grapple, illustrating physical combat.

Examples

Están luchando en el suelo por la pelota.

They are fighting on the floor for the ball.

Vimos a dos gatos luchando ruidosamente en el jardín.

We saw two cats fighting loudly in the garden.

Forming the Continuous Action

"Luchando" is the '-ing' form (the gerund). It always follows a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy,' 'estás,' 'está') to show an action that is happening right at this moment.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy luchando.”

Correction: Estoy luchando. Remember, 'ser' describes permanent qualities, but 'estar' describes temporary states and ongoing actions.

Sport vs. Action

The most common mistake is using the gerund 'luchando' when you mean the sport 'lucha'. Remember that 'lucha' (noun) refers to the activity or sport, while 'luchando' (gerund) describes the act of struggling.

Related Translations

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