waterpolo
/w̝ateɾˈpolo/
The English phrase 'water polo' is translated into Spanish as waterpolo or polo acuático.
Meaning: a water sport (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| waterpolo | /w̝ateɾˈpolo/ /ɡwateɾˈpolo/ |
| polo acuático | /polo akwatiko/ (from spelling rules) |
Both terms refer to the water sport where players compete in a pool.
Which one should you use?
polo acuático is a more descriptive and formal way to express the name of the sport, while waterpolo is a common loanword from English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, waterpolo is a common way to refer to the sport. In Mexico, the sport is typically referred to as polo acuático.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun waterpolo is masculine and is typically preceded by the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/w̝ateɾˈpolo/
Did you know?
- Another possible origin for the word polo is the Tagalog word ikapulo, which refers to a 'tenth' or a tithe given to the Church.
- While we use polo for the sport, the word also acts as a common way to refer to a specific style of collared shirt in many Spanish-speaking countries.
- The word waterpolo is written as one word in Spanish, unlike the two-word 'water polo' used in English.
Examples in context
- El país ha tenido campeones del mundo en deportes como esgrima, pádel, fútbol sala, waterpolo, vela, boxeo, gimnasia rítmica, balonmano, atletismo, fútbol, baloncesto o bádminton.The country has had champions in sports like fencing, paddle tennis, futsal, water polo, sailing, boxing, rhythmic gymnastics, handball, track and field, soccer, basketball, and badminton.This sentence is useful for listing various sports, including waterpolo.Tatoeba #8311413 by GuidoW, translation #10868514 by Luornu
- Ella practica waterpolo en la piscina municipal.She practices water polo at the municipal pool.
- ¿Te gusta ver partidos de waterpolo?Do you like watching water polo matches?
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about sports at a gym.
- ElenaMateo, ¿quieres jugar al waterpolo conmigo?Mateo, do you want to play water polo with me?
- MateoMe encantaría, pero prefiero el baloncesto.I would love to, but I prefer basketball.
- ElenaEntiendo, el waterpolo es muy agotador.I understand, water polo is very exhausting.
- MateoEs cierto, requiere mucha resistencia.It is true, it requires a lot of endurance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water polo” translations and entries waterpolo, polo acuático, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acuático, polo, waterpolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
