marcar un gol
/maɾkaɾ un ɡol/from spelling rules
To score a goal in Spanish is marcar un gol.
The phrase is used to describe successfully kicking or hitting a ball into the net to earn a point in a game, particularly in the context of football/soccer. While marcar un gol is the standard way to say it, you may also hear the synonym anotar un gol used in sports commentary.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb marcar literally means 'to mark' or 'to score'.
Which one should you use?
Marcar un gol is the most common expression, but anotar un gol is a valid alternative often used by commentators. If you want to describe scoring a particularly spectacular or excellent goal, you can use the phrase marcar un golazo, adding the suffix '-azo' to the word 'gol'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, marcar un gol is typically preferred. In Latin America, convertir un gol is more typical.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone scored a goal in the past tense, you can use the preterite form marcó un gol (he/she scored a goal).
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾkaɾ un ɡol/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the verb marcar can also mean 'to man-mark' an opponent on the field, meaning the same word is used for both scoring and preventing a score.
- The suffix -azo used in golazo can also be added to other nouns to indicate a heavy blow or a large size, such as portazo for a door slammed hard.
- The word gol is actually a linguistic traveler that came into Spanish from the English word 'goal'.
Examples in context
- El delantero anotó un gol impresionante en el último minuto del partido.The forward scored an impressive goal in the last minute of the match.
- Messi marcó un gol espectacular en el clásico.Messi scored a spectacular goal in the classic match.
- El equipo visitante logró un tanto importante durante el primer tiempo.The visiting team scored an important goal during the first half.
- El delantero convirtió un gol de cabeza tras un excelente centro.The forward converted a header goal after an excellent cross.
- Ronaldo metió un golazo desde fuera del área.Ronaldo scored an amazing goal from outside the box.
- ¿Viste el gol que hizo Neymar en el último partido?Did you see the goal Neymar scored in the last match?
- El delantero clavó un golón de volea desde el borde del área.The forward scored a stunning volley goal from the edge of the box.
- Él quiere marcar un gol en el último minuto.He wants to score a goal in the last minute.
- Fue difícil marcar un gol con tanta lluvia.It was difficult to score a goal with so much rain.
- ¡Qué bien que lograste marcar un gol!How great that you managed to score a goal!
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a soccer match together.
- AlejandroMira, Alejandro va a marcar un gol.Look, Alejandro is going to score a goal.
- Lucía¡No creo que pueda hacerlo!I don't think he can do it!
- Alejandro¡Lo hizo! ¡Acaba de marcar un gol!He did it! He just scored a goal!
- LucíaFue un tiro increíble, Lucía está feliz.It was an incredible shot, Lucía is happy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gol, marcar, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
