búsqueda del tesoro
/buskeda del tesoɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'scavenger hunt' is translated into Spanish as búsqueda del tesoro.
In English, a 'scavenger hunt' often implies searching for specific items, but the Spanish term búsqueda del tesoro is the standard way to refer to both scavenger hunts and treasure hunts.
Meaning: game (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase búsqueda del tesoro literally translates to 'search of the treasure'.
Which one should you use?
While búsqueda del tesoro is the standard term, you may encounter the informal phrase Caza del tesoro, which literally means 'treasure hunt' or the informal Búsqueda de pistas, which highlights the search for clues.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural 'scavenger hunts', you only pluralize the noun búsqueda to get búsquedas del tesoro.
Did you know?
- The word tesoro shares a common ancestor with the English word 'thesaurus'. While in English a 'thesaurus' is a book of synonyms, the root refers to a 'storehouse' of precious things.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you call it a búsqueda del tesoro, children will expect to find a physical prize or 'treasure' at the end, rather than just completing a list of tasks.
- While búsqueda del tesoro is the standard term, using the word caza in caza del tesoro evokes the imagery of a 'hunt' in the sense of stalking prey.
Examples in context
- Organizamos una búsqueda del tesoro para los niños.We organized a scavenger hunt for the children.
- La búsqueda del tesoro fue muy divertida.The scavenger hunt was a lot of fun.
- ¿Quieres participar en nuestra búsqueda del tesoro?Do you want to participate in our scavenger hunt?
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are planning a party activity.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿podemos hacer una búsqueda del tesoro en el parque?Daniel, can we do a scavenger hunt in the park?
- DanielEs una idea excelente, Sofía.It is an excellent idea, Sofía.
- SofíaNecesito comprar los objetos para la búsqueda del tesoro.I need to buy the objects for the scavenger hunt.
- DanielYo te ayudo con eso.I will help you with that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries búsqueda, del, tesoro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
