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bofetada

bo-fay-TAH-dah/bofeˈtaða/

slap

Also: smack
NounfA2
Spain
A close-up illustration of a hand making contact with a person's cheek, showing a sudden physical impact.

📝 In Action

Ella le dio una bofetada en la mejilla.

A2

She gave him a slap on the cheek.

Se escuchó el sonido de una bofetada en toda la habitación.

B1

The sound of a slap was heard throughout the whole room.

Es inaceptable resolver los problemas con bofetadas.

B2

It is unacceptable to solve problems with slaps.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sopapo (smack/slap)
  • tortazo (hard slap)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar una bofetada – to give a slap
  • recibir una bofetada – to receive a slap
  • una bofetada sonora – a loud/resounding slap

Idioms & Expressions

  • dar una bofetada con guante blanco – to insult or correct someone in a very polite, elegant, or subtle way

slap in the face

Also: wake-up call
NounfB2
An illustration of a person looking shocked and disappointed while holding a trophy that is crumbling into pieces.

📝 In Action

Ese resultado electoral fue una bofetada para el gobierno.

B2

That election result was a slap in the face for the government.

Sus palabras fueron una bofetada de realidad.

C1

His words were a reality check (a slap of reality).

Ver la pobreza tan cerca fue una bofetada para mi conciencia.

C1

Seeing poverty so close was a wake-up call for my conscience.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • insulto (insult)
  • desengaño (disillusionment)

Antonyms

  • halago (compliment/flattery)

Common Collocations

  • bofetada de realidad – a reality check
  • una bofetada al orgullo – a blow to one's pride

Idioms & Expressions

  • una bofetada sin mano – a lesson or a situation that leaves someone speechless without needing physical force

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "bofetada" in Spanish:

slap→smack→wake-up call→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bofetada

Question 1 of 3

Which verb is most commonly used to say someone 'slapped' another person?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
abofetear(to slap) — Verb
bofetón(a big/hard slap) — Noun
bofetearse(to slap each other) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Likely created from the sound 'bof', which imitates the sound of a blow or a puff of air, combined with the ending '-ada' which indicates an action or result.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: buffetto

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'bofetada' a bad word?

No, it's a standard dictionary word. While it describes a violent act, the word itself is not a swear word or offensive.

What is the difference between 'bofetada' and 'bofetón'?

A 'bofetón' is essentially a 'bofetada' but much harder or stronger. The '-ón' ending makes the word sound bigger.

Can I use 'bofetada' as a verb?

No, 'bofetada' is only a noun (a slap). If you want to use the verb 'to slap', use 'abofetear'.