chupar
“chupar” means “to suck” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to suck
Also: to lick
📝 In Action
El bebé se chupa el pulgar cuando tiene sueño.
A2The baby sucks his thumb when he is sleepy.
No te chupes los dedos, usa una servilleta.
A2Don't lick your fingers, use a napkin.
A los niños les gusta chupar caramelos de fresa.
B1Children like to suck on strawberry candies.
to drink alcohol
Also: to booze
📝 In Action
Anoche nos fuimos a chupar después del trabajo.
B2Last night we went out drinking after work.
A él le gusta mucho chupar los fines de semana.
B2He likes to drink a lot on the weekends.
Ya deja de chupar, que tienes que conducir.
B2Stop drinking already, you have to drive.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: chupar
Question 1 of 3
What does 'estar para chuparse los dedos' mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound made by the lips when sucking.
First recorded: 13th 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
Is 'chupar' a bad word?
No, it's not a swear word. However, its slang meaning (to drink alcohol) is very informal and should only be used with friends.
What is the difference between 'chupar' and 'lamer'?
'Chupar' usually involves keeping something in the mouth to draw liquid or flavor (like a lollipop), while 'lamer' is specifically to lick with the tongue (like an ice cream cone).
How do I say 'pacifier' in Spanish?
The most common word is 'chupete', which comes directly from the verb 'chupar'.