patinar sobre hielo
/patinaɾ sobɾe jelo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "to go ice skating" is translated into Spanish as patinar sobre hielo.
Use this phrase to describe the action of moving across a frozen surface of ice using skates. If you wish to refer to the sport itself as a noun, you can use patinaje sobre hielo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase patinar sobre hielo is composed of the verb patinar (to skate), the preposition sobre (on/over) and the noun hielo (ice).
Which one should you use?
While patinar sobre hielo specifically refers to ice skating, the verb patinar alone can refer to roller skating or any form of skating depending on the context. To specifically say "to practice ice skating", you can use Practicar patinaje sobre hielo.
Did you know?
- The verb patinar descends from the Ancient Greek word πᾰτᾰ́νη, which referred to a pan or dish.
- In Spanish, patinar is often used metaphorically to mean making a mistake or 'slipping up' during a conversation or a task.
- The verb patinar can also be used to describe a car's tires skidding on a road or a person slipping. In these contexts, it does not refer to a sport but to a loss of traction.
Examples in context
- Voy a ir a patinar sobre hielo este fin de semanaI am going to go ice skating this weekend
- Mi hijo quiere practicar patinaje sobre hielo en el club localMy son wants to practice ice skating at the local club
- Vamos a ir a patinar en hielo después de la escuelaLet's go ice skating after school
- Me gusta patinar sobre hielo en invierno.I like to go ice skating in winter.
- ¿Quieres ir a patinar sobre hielo con nosotros?Do you want to go ice skating with us?
- Ella aprendió a patinar sobre hielo muy rápido.She learned to go ice skating very quickly.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about winter activities at a café.
- DanielSofía, ¿te gustaría patinar sobre hielo mañana?Sofía, would you like to go ice skating tomorrow?
- SofíaSí, me encanta patinar sobre hielo.Yes, I love to go ice skating.
- DanielPerfecto, yo llevaré los patines.Perfect, I will bring the skates.
- Sofía¡Qué buena idea, Daniel!What a great idea, Daniel!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hielo, patinar, sobre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
