tres en raya
/tɾes en ɾaʝa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tic tac toe" is translated into Spanish as tres en raya.
This phrase refers to the game for two players where the goal is to place three marks in a row on a grid. When you want to say "to play tic tac toe", use the phrase jugar al tres en raya.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tres en raya literally means "three in a row".
Which one should you use?
While tres en raya is a standard term, you may also encounter the informal phrase Tres en línea, which translates to "Three in a line".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, tres en raya is the standard way to refer to the game. In many Latin American countries, the game is commonly called gato.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase with the verb jugar (to play), you must include the preposition al (a + el) to form jugar al tres en raya.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾes en ɾaʝa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear people call it ta-te-ti, which is an onomatopoeic name similar to the English 'tic tac toe'.
- In many Latin American countries, the game is called gato ('cat'). This name likely comes from the game's grid resembling a cat's whiskers or the nimble way players place their marks.
- In some regions, the act of drawing the grid for tres en raya is described as rayar, a verb that can also mean to scratch or to go crazy.
Examples in context
- Una partida al tres en raya se suele disputar con equis y círculos.A tic-tac-toe game is usually played with X's and O's.This sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase tres en raya when describing the typical marks used in a game.Tatoeba #1744499 by Shishir, translation #10501766 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Quieres jugar al tres en raya?Do you want to play tic tac toe?
- Dibujé un tres en raya en el papel.I drew a tic tac toe grid on the paper.
Example conversation
Two friends are bored in a waiting room.
- LucíaEstoy muy aburrida, Alejandro.I am very bored, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Jugamos al tres en raya para pasar el tiempo?Shall we play tic tac toe to pass the time?
- LucíaVale, yo empiezo.Okay, I'll go first.
- AlejandroPerfecto, yo uso las equis.Perfect, I will use the X's.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
