aceptar la derrota
/aθebtaɾ la derota/from spelling rules
To take the l in Spanish is aceptar la derrota.
This phrase is used when someone accepts a loss or a defeat, whether in a formal competition or during an argument.
Did you know?
- While derrota means 'defeat', it is also the Spanish word for 'route' or 'course' when used in a nautical context to describe a ship's path.
- Spanish speakers may use the phrase tirar la toalla (to throw in the towel) as a more idiomatic way to accept a loss, borrowing a term from boxing.
- The word derrota shares a root with the English word 'rupture'. It comes from the Latin rumpō, meaning 'to break', describing a military line that has been broken.
Examples in context
- Es difícil aceptar la derrota en este juego.It is difficult to accept defeat in this game.
- Debes aceptar la derrota con dignidad.You must accept defeat with dignity.
- No quiero aceptar la derrota tan pronto.I do not want to accept defeat so soon.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are playing a board game.
- ElenaHe ganado, Alejandro.I won, Alejandro.
- AlejandroNo puede ser, fue suerte.No way, it was luck.
- ElenaSolo tienes que aceptar la derrota.You just have to take the L.
- AlejandroEstá bien, acepto la derrota.Fine, I take the L.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aceptar, derrota, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
