primera división
/pɾimeɾa dibisjon/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'top flight' is translated as primera división.
The term primera división is most commonly used in the context of professional sports leagues, such as soccer, to denote the highest level of competition. Depending on the context, other expressions can be used to convey excellence or high quality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase primera división is composed of primera (first) and división (division).
Which one should you use?
While primera división refers to the top flight, the term segunda división is used to refer to the second tier of competition.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if a person is described as being in 'primera división', it is a metaphor for being at the peak of their social or professional status, not just in sports.
- A team that is relegated from the primera división is said to descender, a verb that literally means 'to descend'.
- While 'primera división' is the standard, some fans and journalists use the slang term 'la de arriba' to refer to the top flight, literally meaning 'the one above'.
Examples in context
- Este restaurante ofrece una experiencia gastronómica de primer nivelThis restaurant offers a top-flight gastronomic experience
- Ese hotel ofrece servicios de alta gamaThat hotel offers top-flight services
- Ella es una atleta destacadaShe is a top-flight athlete
- Ese concierto estuvo de primeraThat concert was top-flight
- Este restaurante ofrece comida de lujoThis restaurant offers top-flight food
- Tuvimos un servicio fantástico en ese hotelWe had top-flight service at that hotel
- Mi equipo favorito juega en la primera división.My favorite team plays in the top flight.
- Es difícil ascender a la primera división.It is difficult to promote to the top flight.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about sports at a café.
- Javier¿Crees que este equipo llegará a la primera división?Do you think this team will reach the top flight?
- ElenaNo, no tienen presupuesto para la primera división.No, they don't have the budget for the top flight.
- JavierEs una lástima para sus seguidores.It's a shame for their fans.
- ElenaSí, pero el fútbol es así.Yes, but that is how soccer is.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
