atlético
/aˈtletiko/
The English word 'athletic' is translated into Spanish as atlético.
atlético is used to describe someone who has a muscular, well developed body, being in shape. In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word is also used to describe things related to the sport of athletics (track and field).
Meaning: having a muscular, well developed body, being in shape (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use the feminine form atlética when describing a woman or a feminine noun. The adjective takes the masculine plural form atléticos when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group. The adjective takes the feminine plural form atléticas when describing a group consisting only of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈtletiko/
Did you know?
- To describe someone who is 'athletic' in the sense of being naturally sporty or good at many sports, Spanish speakers often prefer the word deportista over atlético.
- To describe someone with a lean, muscular, and 'athletic' build without using atlético, you might use fibroso to describe someone with visible, wiry muscle.
- The most famous sports team using this word is Atlético de Madrid. In Spain, the name is often shortened to simply el Atleti by fans and media.
Examples in context
- Es alto y atlético.He's tall and athletic.This sentence is useful for describing someone's height and build using atlético.Tatoeba #3276866 by cueyayotl, translation #2514149 by Hybrid
- Tiene un cuerpo atlético.He has an athletic body.This sentence is useful for describing a body type using atlético.Tatoeba #3131194 by Shishir, translation #9741464 by DJ_Saidez
- Hace mucho, los griegos solían celebrar un gran evento atlético.Long ago, the Greeks would frequently hold great athletic events.This sentence is useful for describing an event using atlético.Tatoeba #1123609 by marcelostockle, translation #1126406 by CK
- Me gusta rodearme de deportistas porque me motiva su energía y disciplina.I like to surround myself with athletes because their energy and discipline motivate me.
- Él es un futbolista muy atlético y ha representado a nuestro país en varias competencias internacionales.He is a very athletic soccer player and has represented our country in several international competitions.
- Soy una persona deportista y me encanta jugar al tenis.I am an athletic person, and I love playing tennis.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about a new neighbor.
- Alejandro¿Viste al vecino nuevo?Did you see the new neighbor?
- LucíaSí, él parece muy atlético.Yes, he looks very athletic.
- AlejandroEs verdad, siempre está haciendo ejercicio.It's true, he is always exercising.
- LucíaSeguro que tiene mucha disciplina.I am sure he has a lot of discipline.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “athletic” translations and entries atlético, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
