surf
/ˈsuɾf/masculine
In Spanish, the English phrase "surfing" is translated as surf. If unsure, use surf. Wiktionary also lists surfing and tabla hawaiana.
Meaning: sport (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| surf | /ˈsuɾf/ /ˈsoɾf/ |
masculine |
| surfing | /ˈsoɾfin/ /ˈsuɾfin/ |
masculine |
| tabla hawaiana | /ˈtabla awaˈjana/ (word by word) | feminine |
The term refers to the sport of surfing. You can use the masculine noun surf to name the sport, or the verb surfear to describe the act of performing the activity. A person who participates in this sport is called a surfista, and the equipment used is la tabla de surf.
Which one should you use?
Use the noun el surf when you are talking about the sport as a whole. When you want to describe the action or the movement of surfing, use the verb surfear.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the activity, use the verb surfear.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsuɾf/
Did you know?
- The term tabla originally meant a flat piece of wood or a tablet, which is why it is used for the board in surfing.
- In many Spanish-speaking coastal communities, the term surfista is used not just for athletes but as a social identity for a specific lifestyle.
- Although tabla hawaiana is a known term for a surfboard, it is much more common to hear the anglicism tabla de surf in modern settings.
Examples in context
- A Ron le gusta el surf.Ron likes surfing.This sentence is useful for showing how to express an interest in the sport using surf.Tatoeba #4471786 by cueyayotl, translation #719277 by CP
- ¿Te gusta surfear?Do you like surfing?This sentence demonstrates how to ask someone about the activity using the verb surfear.Tatoeba #1239408 by marcelostockle, translation #953203 by CK
- Yo me quedé de vacaciones allí, durante ese tiempo disfruté de surfear.I spent my summer vacation there, during which I enjoyed surfing.This sentence shows how to express enjoying the activity using the verb surfear.Tatoeba #1537147 by leoruilova, translation #51009 by Auride
- Mi hermano practica el surf desde hace muchos años.My brother has been surfing for many years.
- El libro ofrece un análisis profundo sobre la práctica del surf en el siglo XX.The book provides a deep analysis of the practice of surfing in the 20th century.
- Durante mis vacaciones, voy a surfear todas las mañanas.During my vacation, I'm going to go surfing every morning.
- Me encanta el surfing. Cada ola es una nueva experiencia.I love surfing, every wave is a new experience.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about their beach trip.
- MateoElena, ¿quieres probar el surf mañana?Elena, do you want to try surfing tomorrow?
- ElenaMe encantaría, pero no tengo equipo.I would love to, but I don't have equipment.
- MateoNo te preocupes, podemos alquilar el surf allí.Don't worry, we can rent the surf gear there.
- ElenaPerfecto, entonces vamos a la playa.Perfect, then let's go to the beach.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surfing” translations and entries surf, surfing, tabla hawaiana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (tabla, hawaiana) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries surf, surfing, tabla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
