truco o trato
/ˌtɾuko o ˈtɾato/
The Spanish phrase for trick or treating is truco o trato.
This phrase refers to the activity of visiting houses on Halloween to ask for candy. It can be used as a noun phrase to describe the custom or as an interjection when approaching a door.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'trick or treat'. truco means trick and trato means treat or deal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as a noun phrase or an interjection. Unlike the English phrase 'trick or treating', it does not change its form to indicate a continuous action.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtɾuko o ˈtɾato/
Did you know?
- While truco o trato is the standard translation, many Spanish-speaking children simply shout dulces o travesuras, which literally means 'sweets or mischief'.
- The word truco was borrowed into Spanish from the French word truc, which originally referred to a clever device or a cheat.
- The word truco is used in Spain to describe a specific traditional card game that involves betting and bluffing.
Examples in context
- A los niños les encanta el truco o trato.Children love trick or treating.
- ¿Quieres ir de truco o trato con nosotros?Do you want to go trick or treating with us?
- Mañana es la noche de truco o trato.Tomorrow is the night for trick or treating.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for Halloween night.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿vas a salir a hacer truco o trato?Daniel, are you going out trick or treating?
- DanielSí, María, saldré con mis primos.Yes, María, I will go out with my cousins.
- María¡Qué divertido! Yo también iré con mis amigos.How fun! I will also go with my friends.
- DanielEspero que consigamos muchos dulces.I hope we get lots of candy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry truco o trato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries o, trato, truco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
