eliminatorias
/eliminatoɾjas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "playoffs" is translated into Spanish as eliminatorias.
Eliminatorias is used broadly across various sports, such as soccer, basketball and baseball, to describe the knockout or qualifying stages.
What does it mean word for word?
The word eliminatorias is derived from the verb eliminar (to eliminate), and literally means "elimination rounds".
How does it change in a sentence?
eliminatorias is a feminine plural noun. While eliminatorias is the most common way to refer to the playoffs as a whole, the singular form la eliminatoria can be used to refer to a specific single elimination match or round.
How do you pronounce it?
/eliminatoɾjas/
Did you know?
- While eliminatorias covers the general process, the specific term la liguilla is used in Mexico to describe a unique playoff system where teams play in a mini-league before a knockout stage.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a playoff game where a tie is broken by a penalty shootout is called la tanda de penales, which literally means 'the batch of penalties'.
- The word eliminatorias is used in the World Cup to describe the qualifying matches played years before the actual tournament begins, unlike the English 'playoffs' which usually happen at the end.
Examples in context
- Nuestro equipo no alcanzó las eliminatorias este año.Our team didn't reach the playoffs this year.This sentence is useful for describing a team's failure to reach the eliminatorias.Tatoeba #10281435 by manufrutos, translation #10276715 by CK
- El torneo contará con una serie de eliminatorias muy emocionantes.The tournament will feature a series of thrilling playoffs.
- No puedo esperar a los playoffs de fútbol este año.I can't wait for the football playoffs this year.
- La liguilla de baloncesto está llena de partidos emocionantes.The basketball playoffs are full of exciting games.
- Las eliminatorias de la liga empiezan mañana.The league playoffs start tomorrow.
- Todo el mundo está emocionado por las eliminatorias.Everyone is excited about the playoffs.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a basketball tournament.
- MateoMateo, ¿crees que ganaremos las eliminatorias?Mateo, do you think we will win the playoffs?
- SofíaSí, Sofía, tenemos un equipo muy fuerte.Yes, Sofía, we have a very strong team.
- MateoSería increíble llegar a la final.It would be incredible to reach the final.
- Sofía¡Claro! Todo se decide en las eliminatorias.Of course! Everything is decided in the playoffs.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
