damas
/damas/from spelling rules
Checkers in Spanish is damas.
The term damas is used to refer to the game of checkers. You can also use the singular form dama to specifically refer to a single checker piece. When you want to say "to play checkers," it is common to use the phrase jugar a las damas, where the verb jugar is followed by the preposition a.
What does it mean word for word?
The word damas literally means "ladies".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico or Argentina, people might use the term damas as the default way to say checkers.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the game in a general sense, it is common to use the definite feminine plural article, resulting in las damas.
How do you pronounce it?
/damas/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb coronar is used when a piece becomes a dama, which literally means 'to crown'.
- The term damas reflects a historical connection to chess. In both games, a piece that reaches the far side of the board is 'promoted' to a dama, mirroring the power of the queen in chess.
- If you are in a shop in some Spanish-speaking countries and ask for 'damas', you might be redirected to a clothing section for women's accessories.
Examples in context
- Tom le ganó a Mary en damas.Tom beat Mary at checkers.This sentence shows how to use damas to describe winning a game.Tatoeba #1235124 by marcelostockle, translation #1029598 by CK
- No quiero jugar a las damas.I don't want to play checkers.This sentence demonstrates the phrase for not wanting to play the game using damas.Tatoeba #5098388 by don_ramon, translation #2013913 by CK
- En aquellos días me encantaba jugar damas.Back in those days, I loved to play checkers.This sentence shows how to express a past fondness for playing damas.Tatoeba #1235121 by marcelostockle, translation #953145 by CK
- ¡Hola! ¿Quieres jugar a las damas?Hello! Do you want to play checkers?
- ¡Oye, vamos a echar unas partidas de las damas!Hey, let's play a few rounds of checkers!
- Creo que moveré mi dama hacia adelante para capturar tu ficha.I think I'll move my checker piece forward to capture your piece.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in a cafe during a break.
- Sofía¿Tienes un tablero de damas?Do you have a checkers board?
- AlejandroSí, lo tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have it in my backpack.
- Sofía¡Genial! Juguemos una partida rápida.Great! Let's play a quick game.
- AlejandroMe parece bien, Sofía.That sounds good to me, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
