lateral izquierdo
/lateɾal iθkjeɾdo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'left back' is translated into Spanish as lateral izquierdo.
In Spanish football terminology, 'lateral' refers to the full-back position, whereas 'defensa' is a more general term for any defender.
Meaning: a defender who plays on the left (noun)
Which one should you use?
To specify a right back, you replace izquierdo with derecho.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Zaguero izquierdo is a term for left defender primarily used in Spain. Carrilero izquierdo is a term for left back used in Mexico and Central America.
How do you pronounce it?
/lateɾal iθkjeɾdo/
Did you know?
- The word izquierdo is believed to have its roots in the Basque word ezker, suggesting that the very concept of 'left' in Spanish may be linked to the ancient non-Indo-European language of the Basque Country.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term carrilero is used for a wing-back, which literally translates to 'lane-runner'.
- If a commentator calls a player a zaguero, they are using a more traditional, almost poetic term for a defender that evokes someone who stays 'behind' or 'at the rear' of the formation.
Examples in context
- El defensa izquierdo hizo un pase impresionante.The left back made an impressive pass.
- Él juega como lateral izquierdo.He plays as a left back.
- Necesitamos un lateral izquierdo nuevo.We need a new left back.
- El lateral izquierdo es muy rápido.The left back is very fast.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a football match at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Quién es su lateral izquierdo?Who is their left back?
- MateoEs un jugador muy joven.He is a very young player.
- LucíaMateo, ¿has visto su velocidad?Mateo, have you seen his speed?
- MateoSí, es impresionante.Yes, it is impressive.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries izquierdo, lateral, CC BY-SA 4.0.
