ventaja
/benˈtaxa/
The English phrase leg up can be translated into Spanish as ventaja.
The word ventaja is used to express having an advantage or a leg up in a competitive situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ventaja is ventajas.
How do you pronounce it?
/benˈtaxa/
Did you know?
- While 'leg up' is a physical metaphor in English, a Spaniard might use ventaja to describe an advantage gained through a 'ventajismo', which refers to unfair or corrupt practices.
- In gambling and games of chance, ventaja refers to the 'house edge', meaning the casino has a built-in leg up over the player.
- Unlike the English 'leg up' which can imply receiving help from someone, ventaja focuses strictly on the resulting superior position rather than the act of being helped.
Examples in context
- ¡Necesito que me des un empujón con la tarea de matemáticas!I need you to give me a leg up with the math homework!
- Tener una ventaja competitiva es clave.Having a competitive leg up is key.
- Tener un buen contacto te da una ventaja.Having a good contact gives you an edge.
- Su experiencia le dio una ventaja en la entrevista.His experience gave him a leg up in the interview.
- Ese curso te dará una ventaja competitiva.That course will give you a competitive advantage.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a job application.
- SofíaVoy a aplicar para el puesto de gerente.I am going to apply for the manager position.
- JavierHablas inglés, así que tienes una ventaja.You speak English, so you have a leg up.
- SofíaEspero que el jefe lo valore.I hope the boss values it.
- JavierSeguro que sí, Sofía.I'm sure he will, Sofía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ventaja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
