chocar
“chocar” means “to crash” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to crash
Also: to collide, to hit
📝 In Action
El coche chocó contra un árbol.
A1The car crashed against a tree.
Los dos ciclistas chocaron en la esquina.
A2The two cyclists collided at the corner.
Ten cuidado, no vayas a chocar con la puerta.
B1Be careful, don't go and bump into the door.
to shock
Also: to surprise, to clash
📝 In Action
Me choca que no me haya llamado.
B1It shocks/surprises me that he hasn't called me.
Sus ideas chocan con las mías.
B2His ideas clash with mine.
Le choca ver tanta gente en la calle.
B1It surprises him to see so many people in the street.
to high-five
Also: to clink
📝 In Action
¡Choca esos cinco!
A1High five!
Chocamos las copas para celebrar.
A2We clinked glasses to celebrate.
El niño quería chocar la mano con su padre.
A1The boy wanted to high-five his father.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "chocar" in Spanish:
to clash→to clink→to collide→to crash→to high-five→to hit→to shock→to surprise→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: chocar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I crashed' (in the past) in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely of onomatopoeic origin, meaning it was created to mimic the 'tsoc' sound of two things hitting each other.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'chocar con' and 'chocar contra'?
'Con' implies a collision between two things that might both be moving, while 'contra' usually implies hitting a stationary object like a wall.
Can I use 'chocante' to describe a person?
Yes! In many countries, 'chocante' means something that is socially out of place, annoying, or surprising.
Does 'chocar' always involve a physical hit?
No, 'chocar' specifically refers to physical impact. To say you are emotionally 'shocked' without using 'chocar', you could use 'estupefacto' or 'conmocionado'.