toque de bola
/toke de bola/from spelling rules
In baseball, the English term 'bunt' is translated into Spanish as toque de bola.
toque de bola is a noun used to describe a ball that has been intentionally hit softly in baseball. It can also function as a verbal phrase to describe the action of bunting, such as in the expression hacer un toque de bola.
Meaning: baseball: ball intentionally hit softly (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase toque de bola literally translates to 'touch of ball', which refers to the act of touching the ball with the bat to redirect it softly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear the term toque de sacrificio used to refer to a bunt. In Mexico, another term sometimes used for a bunt is batear de toque.
How do you pronounce it?
/toke de bola/
Did you know?
- The word bola in toque de bola shares a common Latin ancestor with the English word 'bubble', as both originate from the Latin 'bulla' meaning a blow, bubble or sphere.
- The word toque in toque de bola is a deverbal noun, meaning it is a noun derived directly from the verb tocar, meaning 'to touch' or 'to play an instrument'.
- In Spanish-speaking baseball cultures, the term toque is often used as a shorthand, omitting de bola entirely when the context of the game is clear.
Examples in context
- El jugador realizó un toque de bola perfecto.The player executed a perfect bunt.
- El toque corto es una técnica muy necesaria en el juego.The bunt is a necessary technique in the game.
- Los jugadores aprenden a batear de toque desde muy temprano.Players learn to bunt from a very early age.
- El entrenador pidió un toque de bola.The coach asked for a bunt.
- Fue un toque de bola muy efectivo.It was a very effective bunt.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a baseball game.
- LucíaMira, creo que va a hacer un toque de bola.Look, I think he is going to bunt.
- DanielSí, es la mejor estrategia ahora.Yes, it is the best strategy now.
- Lucía¡Lo logró! Fue un toque de bola excelente.He did it! It was an excellent bunt.
- DanielDaniel, mira cómo corre el corredor.Daniel, look how the runner is running.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bola, de, toque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
