pelota grande
/pelota ɡɾande/from spelling rules
The English phrase "big ball" is translated into Spanish as pelota grande.
pelota grande refers to a spherical object that is large in size.
Which one should you use?
While pelota is used for many types of balls, balón is often used specifically for larger, inflated sports balls like those used in soccer or basketball.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 'grande' follows the noun 'pelota' in this phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/pelota ɡɾande/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word pelotazo is used to describe a sudden stroke of luck or a windfall of money, moving far beyond the literal meaning of hitting a ball.
- The word pelota shares an ancestor with the English word 'pill', as both derive from the Latin 'pila'.
- While pelota describes the object, in certain slang contexts in Spain, calling someone a pelotero can imply they are a person who uses flattery to get ahead.
Examples in context
- El museo exhibe una gran pelota de fútbol autografiada por los campeonesThe museum exhibits a big soccer ball autographed by the champions.
- La esfera de vidrio es una bola grande y pesadaThe glass sphere is a big and heavy ball.
- ¡Qué bolón de playa! Podemos jugar vóley con ellaWhat a big beach ball! We can play volleyball with it.
- La pelota grande es roja.The big ball is red.
- Esa pelota grande es de color azul.That big ball is blue.
- Necesitamos una pelota grande para el juego.We need a big ball for the game.
- Mira la pelota grande en el jardín.Look at the big ball in the garden.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are playing in a park.
- Elena¿Qué es eso, Mateo?What is that, Mateo?
- MateoEs una pelota grande.It is a big ball.
- Elena¿Podemos jugar con ella?Can we play with it?
- MateoSí, vamos a jugar.Yes, let's play.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grande, pelota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
