What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deporte
Example
Me gusta practicar deporte para mantenerme en forma. [deporte: noun]
Example
El fútbol es un deporte muy popular en mi país. [deporte: noun]
athletics
Example
She won a gold medal in athletics at the Olympics. [athletics: noun]
Example
He is an athletics coach and trains young athletes. [athletics: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deporte is more commonly used than athletics in everyday language, especially in Spanish-speaking countries. Athletics is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, such as in sports science or education.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deporte and athletics?
Athletics is generally considered more formal than deporte, and is more commonly used in academic or professional settings. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
