concurso de ortografía
/konkuɾso de oɾtoɡɾafia/from spelling rules
The English phrase "spelling bee" is translated into Spanish as concurso de ortografía.
This phrase refers to a spelling contest or competition (noun).
Meaning: spelling contest or competition (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of concurso (contest/competition) and ortografía (spelling/orthography).
How do you pronounce it?
/konkuɾso de oɾtoɡɾafia/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may be tempted to translate 'bee' literally as abeja, but abeja de ortografía is not a valid term in Spanish.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the concept of a concurso de ortografía is often tied to the prestige of the RAE, the official royal academy that regulates the language.
- Unlike English 'spelling bees' which often focus on obscure vocabulary, Spanish orthography contests frequently emphasize the correct use of tildes and accent marks.
- In many Spanish-speaking schools, instead of a 'bee', students might participate in a dictado, which is a dictation exercise used to test spelling skills.
Examples in context
- El colegio organizará un concurso de ortografía la próxima semana.The school will organize a spelling bee next week.
- ¿Participaste en el concurso de ortografía el año pasado?Did you participate in the spelling bee last year?
- ¡Me encantaría participar en la competencia de deletreo!I would love to participate in the spelling bee!
- Mañana es el concurso de ortografía.Tomorrow is the spelling bee.
- Ganó el concurso de ortografía en la escuela.He won the spelling bee at school.
- Participaré en el concurso de ortografía este año.I will participate in the spelling bee this year.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a school event.
- MaríaJavier, ¿vas a participar en el concurso de ortografía?Javier, are you going to participate in the spelling bee?
- JavierSí, pero estoy muy nervioso.Yes, but I am very nervous.
- MaríaTú puedes, eres muy bueno deletreando.You can do it, you are very good at spelling.
- JavierGracias, María, espero ganar el premio.Thank you, María, I hope to win the prize.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
