partido
/paɾˈtido/
The English phrase "sports game" is translated into Spanish as partido.
partido refers to a competitive match played between two teams or individuals in a sport. To specify which sport is being played, you should use the structure partido de [sport], such as partido de fútbol for a soccer game.
Which one should you use?
While the Spanish word juego can mean "game" or "play," partido is the specific term used when referring to an organized, competitive match or sporting event.
How does it change in a sentence?
partido is a masculine noun, so it is preceded by the definite article el (e.g., el partido for "the game"). To express the plural "matches" or "games," use partidos.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾˈtido/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone a buen partido is a common idiom. It does not mean they are good at sports, but that they are a 'good catch' or a desirable marriage partner.
- Beyond sports, partido is the standard word for a political 'party'. This means a sentence about a partido could be referring to either a soccer match or a political organization depending on the context.
- The word partido comes from the verb partir, which means 'to divide' or 'to split'. This refers to the way a sports field is divided into two halves or the way players are split into two opposing teams.
Examples in context
- El encuentro deportivo entre España y Argentina fue muy reñidoThe sports competition between Spain and Argentina was very close
- Vamos a ver un partido de deporte este fin de semanaLet's watch a sports game this weekend
- Me encanta ver partidos deportivos los fines de semanaI love to watch sports games on weekends
- El último encuentro deportivo fue impresionanteThe last sports competition was impressive
- En España, el partido de fútbol es considerado una tradiciónIn Spain, the soccer game is considered a tradition
- Voy al estadio a ver el partido de baloncesto entre los Lakers y los BullsI'm going to the stadium to watch the basketball game between the Lakers and the Bulls
- El equipo local ganó el partidoThe local team won the game
- El partido de fútbol es hoy.The soccer game is today.
- ¿Viste el partido de ayer?Did you see the game yesterday?
- El partido fue muy emocionante.The match was very exciting.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- Mateo¿Quieres ir al partido el sábado?Do you want to go to the game on Saturday?
- LucíaSí, me encantaría ir contigo.Yes, I would love to go with you.
- MateoTengo que comprar las entradas hoy.I have to buy the tickets today.
- LucíaPerfecto, avísame cuando las tengas.Perfect, let me know when you have them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry partido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries partido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
