Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gordo | /ˈɡoɾdo/ | masculine |
| primer premio | /pɾimeɾ pɾemjo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| bote | /ˈbote/ | masculine |
Spanish uses different terms for a jackpot depending on the context. In the specific context of lotteries, el gordo refers to the top prize or the jackpot. When referring to gambling games like poker or slot machines, the term bote is used to describe the accumulated pot or jackpot.
What does it mean word for word?
The word gordo literally means 'fat'.
Which one should you use?
While gordo is the standard term for a lottery jackpot, bote is more frequent in gambling settings like poker to refer to the accumulated pot. Primer premio is a more literal way to express 'first prize' or 'jackpot' in various competitions or lotteries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term primer premio is a literal way to say 'first prize' and can be used in any competition or lottery.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡoɾdo/
Did you know?
- The term bote for a gambling jackpot shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'boat'. It stems from the Middle English word 'bot', which originally meant a vessel or a container.
- In Spain, the Christmas lottery's el gordo is often shared among groups of friends or neighbors who buy a single ticket together, known as a peña.
- While gordo means 'fat', it is used as a nickname for people in Spanish-speaking cultures in a way that is often affectionate rather than insulting.
Examples in context
- ¿De verdad que os ha tocado el gordo de la lotería?Did you really hit the jackpot?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has hit the lottery jackpot using gordo.Tatoeba #10574357 by Seael, translation #10574926 by DJ_Saidez
- ¡Gané el premio mayor de la lotería!I won the jackpot in the lottery!
- ¡Me he llevado el gran premio del casino!I hit the jackpot at the casino!
- ¡Nos ha tocado el gordo en la lotería!We hit the jackpot in the lottery!
- ¡Vaya, qué premiazo!Wow, what a jackpot!
- Hoy se sortea la rifa y espero ganar el gran premio.The raffle is taking place today, and I hope to win the jackpot.
- El gordo de la lotería es su sueño.Winning the lottery jackpot is her dream.
- No podemos asegurar que ganen el gordo.We cannot guarantee that they will win the jackpot.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a lottery ticket in a cafe.
- Elena¿Crees que Daniel se llevará el gordo?Do you think Daniel will win the jackpot?
- DanielÉl siempre tiene mucha suerte con los juegos.He always has a lot of luck with games.
- ElenaEspero que sí, sería increíble para él.I hope so, it would be incredible for him.
- Daniel¡Ojalá le toque el gordo esta vez!I hope he hits the jackpot this time!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jackpot” translations and entries gordo, bote, 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 bote, gordo, premio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
