Inklingo

How to Say "you score" in Spanish

English → Spanish

metes

MEH-tesˈme.tes

verbB2informal
Use 'metes' when referring to the act of scoring a goal, point, or basket, particularly in a competitive context like a game or match.
A black and white soccer ball hitting the back of a brightly colored goal net, clearly indicating a score has been made.

Examples

¡Si metes ese gol, ganamos la liga!

If you score that goal, we win the league!

Cada vez que metes un tiro libre, el público grita.

Every time you make a free throw, the crowd screams.

metas

MEH-tas/ˈme.tas/

verbA2informal
Use 'metas' as the informal 'tú' conjugation of 'meter' when referring to the action of putting something in or getting something in, which can sometimes metaphorically mean scoring.
A simple illustration of a young person carefully placing a large, colorful square block onto a low wooden table, demonstrating the action of putting something down.

Examples

Si metes la llave con cuidado, la puerta se abre.

If you put the key in carefully, the door will open.

¡Qué golazo! ¡Siempre metes los mejores!

What a great goal! You always score the best ones! (Referring to 'tú')

Verb vs. Noun

Be careful! 'Metas' (the verb form) sounds identical to 'metas' (the plural noun). Context is key: if it follows 'tú' or refers to an action, it's the verb 'meter'.

marcas

MAHR-kahs/ˈmaɾkas/

verbA2informal
Use 'marcas' as the informal 'tú' conjugation of 'marcar' when specifically talking about marking points or goals, especially in sports.
A cartoon hand holding a thick red crayon, actively drawing a prominent, visible red checkmark onto a plain white surface.

Examples

¿Tú marcas los goles en cada partido?

Do you score goals in every game?

Si marcas este número, contactarás al servicio técnico.

If you dial this number, you will contact technical support.

Siempre marcas la respuesta correcta en el examen.

You always mark the correct answer on the exam.

The 'Tú' Form

'Marcas' is the verb form you use when talking directly to one person informally about what they are doing right now: 'Tú marcas el camino' (You mark the path).

Spelling Change in Preterite

Mistake: “Writing 'yo marcè' in the past tense.”

Correction: Verbs ending in -car need a spelling change to keep the hard 'k' sound in the past tense: 'yo marqué' (I marked).

Confusing 'meter' and 'marcar' for scoring

The most common mistake is confusing 'metes' (from 'meter', to put in) and 'marcas' (from 'marcar', to mark) when talking about scoring in sports. While both can be used, 'meter un gol' is very common for scoring a goal, whereas 'marcar' is more about the act of tallying the score or marking the point.

Related Translations

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