comodín
/komoˈdin/
The Spanish word comodín translates to the English phrase wildcard.
In a game, a comodín refers to a card that can be used to stand in for any other card. This term is also used in computer science to refer to a wildcard character.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the adjective cómodo, meaning comfortable or convenient, which implies that the object serves a versatile or convenient purpose.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of comodín is comodines.
How do you pronounce it?
/komoˈdin/
Did you know?
- The term comodín is often used in political contexts to describe a 'swing' candidate or a neutral party that can tip the balance of power.
- While an English speaker might call a versatile person a 'wildcard', a Spanish speaker might use comodín to describe a substitute player in sports who can play multiple positions.
- In Spanish, the suffix -ín is often used to create diminutives, but in the case of comodín, it has evolved into a noun meaning a specialized tool or agent of convenience.
Examples in context
- El asterisco (*) es un comodín en esta expresión regularThe asterisk (*) is a wildcard in this regular expression
- Pedro es un comodín en el equipo, puede desempeñarse en distintas tareasPedro is a wild card in the team, he can perform different tasks
- El comodín que usé me permitió avanzar rápidamente en el juegoThe wild card I used allowed me to progress quickly in the game
- Raúl se volvió el comodín del grupo, siempre resuelve problemas difícilesRaúl became the wild card of the group, he always solves difficult problems
- Usa el comodín para ganar la partida.Use the joker to win the game.
- ¿Tienes un comodín en tu mano?Do you have a joker in your hand?
- Ese comodín es muy útil en este juego.That joker is very useful in this game.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are playing a card game at home.
- LucíaJavier, ¿me das un comodín?Javier, can you give me a joker?
- JavierNo, yo tengo el último comodín.No, I have the last joker.
- LucíaEntonces voy a perder el juego.Then I am going to lose the game.
- JavierNo te preocupes, todavía es divertido.Don't worry, it is still fun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry comodín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
