segunda vuelta
/seɡunda bwelta/from spelling rulesfeminine
In Spanish, runoff is translated as segunda vuelta. Wiktionary also lists balotaje.
Meaning: politics: second or further round of an indecisive election (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| segunda vuelta | /seɡunda bwelta/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| balotaje | /baloˈtaxe/ | masculine |
In a political context, the term refers to a second or further round of an indecisive election.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase segunda vuelta literally means second round.
Which one should you use?
Segunda vuelta is the standard term used in most Spanish-speaking countries to describe a political runoff, whereas balotaje is used in specific regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Balotaje is a specific term used in certain Latin American countries, such as Argentina, to refer to a runoff election.
How does it change in a sentence?
Segunda vuelta is a feminine noun phrase and is typically preceded by the feminine article la. Balotaje is a masculine noun and is typically preceded by the masculine article el.
Did you know?
- The term balotaje comes from the French word ballottage, which originally referred to the act of tossing small balls into an urn to cast a vote.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, a segunda vuelta is not just a runoff but a strategic tool used to force candidates to build broader coalitions after the first vote.
- Unlike English, where 'runoff' can describe anything from a race to rainwater, segunda vuelta is almost exclusively used for cycles, turns or elections.
Examples in context
- Durante la lluvia intensa, el agua de escorrentía aumentó significativamente.During the heavy rain, the runoff water significantly increased.
- La segunda vuelta será en febrero.The runoff will be in February.
- Estamos esperando los resultados de la segunda vuelta.We are waiting for the runoff results.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the recent election results.
- MaríaParece que nadie ganó en primera ronda.It seems nobody won in the first round.
- JavierSí, ahora tendremos que esperar a la segunda vuelta.Yes, now we will have to wait for the runoff.
- María¿Quién crees que ganará esa vez?Who do you think will win that time?
- JavierNo estoy seguro, Javier no sabe todavía.I'm not sure, Javier doesn't know yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “runoff” translations and entries balotaje, 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 balotaje, vuelta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
