ganadores y perdedores
/ɡanadoɾes i peɾdedoɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "winners and losers" is translated into Spanish as ganadores y perdedores.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ganadores comes from the verb ganar (to win) and perdedores comes from the verb perder (to lose).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single winner and a single loser, use the singular forms ganador y perdedor. If the group of winners and losers consists entirely of women, use the feminine forms ganadoras y perdedoras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡanadoɾes i peɾdedoɾes/
Did you know?
- While perdedor is the literal translation for 'loser', using it as a noun to insult someone's character is a common English idiom that feels slightly unnatural in Spanish. A Spanish speaker is more likely to use fracasado to describe a 'failure' of a person.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, ganar is used not only to win a competition but also to earn a salary or a living, making a ganador someone who simply earns money.
- The verb perder can also be used in the phrase perder los estribos, which means to lose one's temper rather than a game or an object.
Examples in context
- ¡Los ganadores y los perdedores del partido de fútbol causaron un gran revuelo entre los fanáticos!The winners and losers of the soccer game caused a great stir among the fans!
- En los deportes siempre hay ganadores y perdedores.In sports there are always winners and losers.
- La vida está llena de ganadores y perdedores.Life is full of winners and losers.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about a recent competition.
- Mateo¿Cómo terminó el torneo de ajedrez?How did the chess tournament end?
- LucíaFue una competencia intensa con muchos ganadores y perdedores.It was an intense competition with many winners and losers.
- MateoEspero que no estés muy triste, Lucía.I hope you aren't too sad, Lucía.
- LucíaNo, estoy bien, Mateo.No, I am fine, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
