campeón
/kampeˈon/
The English phrase "champ" is translated into Spanish as campeón.
campeón refers to a person who has won a competition or a sports event. Beyond sports, it is often used colloquially as a friendly term of address for a man, similar to using "champ" or "buddy" in English. You may also use the exclamation ¡Campeón! to cheer someone on or to congratulate them enthusiastically.
Which one should you use?
While campeón is used for a specific winner, you might use the term Crack to describe someone who is highly skilled or exceptional, which carries a similar sentiment to "champ" in English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal contexts, the word Ganador is a suitable substitute for "winner." In informal settings, you can use Campeón/Campeona to mean "champ." Additionally, campeón itself serves as an informal way to address a man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. The feminine form is campeona. For a group of male champions or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural campeones. To refer specifically to a group of female champions, use campeonas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kampeˈon/
Did you know?
- The word campeón shares a common ancestor with the English word 'campus', as it originally referred to someone who fought on a 'level ground'.
- While 'champ' in English can sometimes feel condescending if used with a child, using campeón to address a young boy in Spanish is almost always a warm, encouraging sign of affection.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you call someone campeón in a sarcastic tone, it can function as a stinging insult rather than a compliment.
Examples in context
- Enhorabuena por tu éxito en la competencia. Eres todo un campeón.Congratulations on your success in the competition. You are a true champ.
- ¡Bravo, campeón! Has conseguido superar todos los obstáculos.Bravo, champ! You have overcome all the obstacles.
- Él es el campeón de ajedrez.He is the chess champion.
- El campeón de boxeo dio una entrevista.The boxing champion gave an interview.
- Queremos felicitar al campeón mundial.We want to congratulate the world champion.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are watching a sports news report on TV.
- Javier¿Viste que él es el nuevo campeón?Did you see that he is the new champ?
- ElenaSí, es un campeón muy dedicado.Yes, he is a very dedicated champ.
- JavierElena, ¿crees que ganará otra vez?Elena, do you think he will win again?
- ElenaSeguramente sí, es muy fuerte.Surely yes, he is very strong.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry campeón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries campeón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
