empatar
verbCEFR B2
What does “empatar” mean in English?
to finish a match, game or vote with an equal score or result on both sides
Example sentences
Los dos equipos empataron a uno tras un partido muy disputado.
The two teams drew one-all after a very hard-fought match.
Ambos candidatos empataron en la primera vuelta, así que hubo que celebrar una segunda votación.
Both candidates tied in the first round, so a second vote had to be held.
How to use it
Empatar (regular -ar verb, from par, equal) means 'to draw/tie' — used mainly for sports matches and, at B2, elections or votes ending in a tie. Collocations: empatar a dos goles, el partido terminó empatado. Related noun: el empate (the draw/tie).
Common mistake
Empatar (to end level/tied) is only used when both sides finish with an equal result — don't confuse it with igualar, which can mean 'to catch up to' an opponent's score without necessarily ending the match tied.
Topics
Related B2 words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones específicas: deporte y ocio.