derribar
/deh-rree-bar/
to knock down
A wrecking ball hitting a wall illustrates 'derribar' as knocking down a physical structure.
derribar(verb)
to knock down
?buildings, walls, or physical objects
to tackle
?sports or physical struggle
,to demolish
?intentional destruction of structures
📝 In Action
Tuvieron que derribar el viejo muro para ampliar la calle.
B1They had to knock down the old wall to widen the street.
El boxeador derribó a su oponente en el tercer asalto.
B2The boxer knocked down his opponent in the third round.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'derribar' with people
When using this word for knocking a person down, remember to add 'a' before the person, like: 'Derribó a su amigo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Derribar vs. Tirar
Mistake: "Using 'tirar' to mean demolition."
Correction: Use 'derribar' for structures or large things that are standing up. 'Tirar' is more for throwing or pulling.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
The double 'rr' in 'derribar' needs a strong roll of the tongue to sound natural.
A falling crown represents 'derribar' in the context of overthrowing a leader.
derribar(verb)
to overthrow
?governments or leaders
to debunk
?myths, theories, or ideas
,to shoot down
?aircraft or missiles
📝 In Action
El movimiento social logró derribar al dictador.
C1The social movement managed to overthrow the dictator.
Sus pruebas derribaron el mito de que la tierra era plana.
B2His evidence debunked the myth that the earth was flat.
Las defensas lograron derribar el dron enemigo.
B2The defenses managed to shoot down the enemy drone.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative use
Think of this like 'bringing something down' that isn't physical, like a person's power or a fake idea.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: derribar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'derribar' to mean 'to debunk'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'derribar' always physical?
No! While it often means physically knocking something down, it is very common in news and science to mean 'overthrowing' a leader or 'disproving' a myth.