portero
/poɾˈteɾo/
The English word goalie is translated into Spanish as portero.
portero is a colloquial way to refer to a goalkeeper or goaltender.
Meaning: colloquial form of goalkeeper or goaltender (noun)
Which one should you use?
While portero is a common term, in many Latin American countries, the word arquero is used instead to mean goalie.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Mexico, the term guardavallas is used for goalie.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form porteros is used for a group of male goalies or a mixed-gender group of goalies. To refer to a single female goalie or a group of female goalies, use the feminine form porteras.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾˈteɾo/
Did you know?
- The term arquero, used as an alternative for 'goalie' in parts of Latin America, comes from the word for 'archer'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a portero is not a soccer player but a 'doorman' or 'concierge' who guards the entrance to a building.
- The word portero shares its roots with the English word 'porter', as both stem from the Latin 'porta' meaning 'door'.
Examples in context
- ¿Quién es el portero?Who's the goalie?This sentence is useful for asking who the goalie is using portero.Tatoeba #9611449 by dpcossio, translation #9546922 by DJ_Saidez
- Soy el portero del FC Alpha.I am the goalie for FC Alpha.This sentence is useful for stating your role as the goalie for a team using portero.Tatoeba #13599432 by Seael, translation #7937187 by adiante19
- Tom era mejor portero de lo que Mary pensaba que sería.Tom was a better goalie than Mary thought he'd be.This sentence is useful for comparing someone's skill as a goalie using portero.Tatoeba #10303962 by DJ_Saidez, translation #9471806 by CK
- El arquero realizó una gran atajadaThe goalie made a great save
- El guardameta está jugando de manera extraordinariaThe goalie is playing extraordinarily
- ¡El portero detuvo el disparo!The goalie stopped the shot!
- ¡El guardavallas del equipo rival está en excelente forma!The opposing team's goalie is in excellent shape!
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are watching a football match on TV.
- AlejandroEse portero es increíble.That goalie is incredible.
- ElenaSí, es el mejor portero de la liga.Yes, he is the best goalie in the league.
- Alejandro¿Crees que detendrá todos los tiros?Do you think he will stop all the shots?
- ElenaSeguro que sí.I'm sure he will.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry portero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries portero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
