Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Match in Spanish: Partido
Partido · noun · par-TEE-doh
The English word 'match' translates differently in Spanish depending on context: 'partido' for a sports match or competition, 'fósforo' (or 'cerillo' in Mexico) for a fire-lighting match, and 'coincidencia' or 'combinación' when referring to a pairing or match-up.
par-TEE-doh
El partido de fútbol comienza a las ocho de la noche.
The soccer match starts at eight in the evening.
Match in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for match, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| partido | match | par-TEE-doh | Default, widely understood |
| fósforo | match | fire-starting match | |
| coincidencia | match | pairing or match-up |
How Native Speakers Use Partido
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Sports event
Ganamos el partido contra el equipo rival del barrio.
We won the match against the rival team from the neighborhood.
Use 'partido' for any competitive sports game.
Fire starter
Necesito un fósforo para encender la vela del pastel.
I need a match to light the candle on the cake.
'Fósforo' refers to the small stick used to start a fire; 'cerillo' is common in Mexico.
Pairing
Esa corbata hace buena combinación con tu camisa azul.
That tie is a good match with your blue shirt.
'Combinación' is used when talking about things that pair well together.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Partido
Wrong word for sports
Incorrect: Vamos a ver el fósforo de tenis.
Correct: Vamos a ver el partido de tenis.
Using 'fósforo' for a sports competition is incorrect because it exclusively means the fire-starting stick.
Literal translation trap
Incorrect: Esa camisa es un buen match con los pantalones.
Correct: Esa camisa combina bien con los pantalones.
Borrowing the English 'match' directly sounds unnatural; Spanish uses 'combinar' or 'hacer juego' for clothing pairings.
Lock in Match Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Partido used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using partido in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El partido de fútbol comienza a las ocho de la noche. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Match in Spanish
- What's the difference between 'partido' and 'fósforo'?
- These two words represent entirely different meanings of the English word 'match.' 'Partido' refers to a competitive game or sports event, while 'fósforo' is the thin wooden stick tipped with a flammable compound used to start fires.
- Is 'cerillo' the same as 'fósforo'?
- In Mexico and parts of Central America, people say 'cerillo' instead of 'fósforo' to refer to a fire-starting match. Both words are perfectly correct, but regional preference determines which one locals will understand more readily.
- How do I say 'matchmaking' in Spanish?
- The concept of pairing people romantically translates as 'hacer de casamentero' or 'emparejar.' In digital dating contexts, Spanish speakers often use the anglicism 'match' informally, though 'compatibilidad' works in formal writing.