balonmano
/balommano/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English word "handball" is translated into Spanish as balonmano. Wiktionary also lists handball.
Meaning: team sport (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| balonmano | /balommano/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| handball | /andbaʝ/ (from spelling rules) |
The term refers to the team sport known as handball.
What does it mean word for word?
The word balonmano is a compound of balón (ball) and mano (hand).
Which one should you use?
While the English word handball is sometimes used in Spanish-speaking contexts, balonmano is the standard and most common term for the sport.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the term hándbol is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is typically preceded by the definite article el when referring to the sport in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/balommano/
Did you know?
- The word balonmano is a semantic calque, meaning it was created by translating the German word 'Handball' word for word into Spanish.
- In Spanish, there are two different words for 'ball'. Balón is used for larger, inflated sports balls used in balonmano and football, whereas pelota is used for smaller balls.
- Depending on the region, using the English word 'handball' instead of balonmano might lead someone to think you are talking about a street game played against a wall rather than the Olympic team sport.
Examples in context
- A Tomás se le da bien el balonmano.Tom is good at handball.This sentence shows how to say someone is good at balonmano.Tatoeba #4786434 by alegarvid, translation #3921228 by CK
- El balonmano es un deporte muy popular en Dinamarca.Handball is a very popular sport in Denmark.This sentence describes the popularity of balonmano in Denmark.Tatoeba #2419044 by marcelostockle, translation #2373026 by Piteris
- El país ha tenido campeones del mundo en deportes como esgrima, pádel, fútbol sala, waterpolo, vela, boxeo, gimnasia rítmica, balonmano, atletismo, fútbol, baloncesto o bádminton.The country has had champions in sports like fencing, paddle tennis, futsal, water polo, sailing, boxing, rhythmic gymnastics, handball, track and field, soccer, basketball, and badminton.This sentence lists several sports, including balonmano, that a country has produced champions in.Tatoeba #8311413 by GuidoW, translation #10868514 by Luornu
- El balonmano es un deporte muy popular en Europa.Handball is a very popular sport in Europe.
- El equipo español de balonmano ganó el campeonato mundial.The Spanish handball team won the world championship.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about sports at a sports center.
- Elena¿Practicas algún deporte este semestre?Do you practice any sport this semester?
- DanielSí, juego al balonmano con mis amigos.Yes, I play handball with my friends.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Yo prefiero el tenis.That's great! I prefer tennis.
- DanielEl balonmano es muy intenso, pero divertido.Handball is very intense, but fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handball” translations and entries balonmano, handball, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balonmano, handball, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
