cruz
/ˈkɾuθ/feminine
In Spanish, the phrase for tails (the side of a coin) is cruz. Wiktionary also lists ceca.
Meaning: side of coin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cruz | /ˈkɾuθ/ /ˈkɾus/ |
feminine |
| ceca | /ˈθeka/ /ˈseka/ |
Argentina, feminine |
The word is used specifically to refer to the 'tails' side of a coin, typically used in contrast with cara, which means 'heads'.
Which one should you use?
While cruz is the standard term for tails, in Argentina, speakers use ceca instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word ceca is used to mean tails.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cruz is a feminine noun. Note that while rabo (masculine) and cola (feminine) also mean tails in other contexts, they are not used for the side of a coin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾuθ/
When do people say it?
The standard way to offer a coin toss to someone is to ask "¿Cara o cruz?", which means "Heads or tails?"
Did you know?
- The Argentinian term ceca is not derived from Latin but comes from the Arabic word sikka, which referred to the die used to stamp coins.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase cara o cruz is used metaphorically to describe a situation that is a total gamble or a matter of pure luck.
- The standard term for tails, cruz, literally translates to 'cross' in English. This refers to the religious symbol often depicted on the reverse side of coins.
Examples in context
- Tom lanzó la moneda y preguntó "¿cara o cruz?"Tom flipped the coin and said, "Heads or tails?"This sentence shows how to ask the question "Heads or tails?" using cruz.Tatoeba #2762278 by Shishir, translation #2640139 by CK
- Cuando lanzas una moneda, cuanto más fuertemente deseas cara tanto más probable es que salga cruz.When you toss a coin, the more strongly you want heads, the more likely it is to come up tails.This example uses cruz to describe the outcome of a coin toss.Tatoeba #5889843 by albrusgher, translation #5743811 by Hybrid
- Cara yo gano, cruz tu pierdes.Heads I win, tails you lose.This sentence demonstrates the use of cruz in a betting context.Tatoeba #1440664 by aldomora, translation #37890 by CK
- El caballero lleva un traje elegante con chaqueta de cola.The gentleman is wearing an elegant suit with tails.
- El gato movía el rabo mientras jugaba con la pelota.The cat wagged its tail while playing with the ball.
- En México, los perros mueven su cola cuando están contentos.In Mexico, dogs wag their tails when they are happy.
Example conversation
Javier and María are playing a game with a coin.
- Javier¿Quieres cara o cruz?Do you want heads or tails?
- MaríaPrefiero cruz esta vez.I prefer tails this time.
- Javier¡Ha salido cruz! Has ganado, María.It came up tails! You won, María.
- María¡Qué suerte tengo hoy!I am so lucky today!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tails” translations and entries cruz, ceca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ceca, cruz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
