dispararon
“dispararon” means “they shot” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
they shot, they opened fire
Also: you all shot
📝 In Action
Los cazadores dispararon tres veces antes de acertar.
B1The hunters shot three times before hitting the target.
Cuando vieron el peligro, los guardias dispararon al aire.
B2When they saw the danger, the guards fired into the air.
Ustedes dispararon la bengala para pedir ayuda.
B2You all (formal) fired the flare to ask for help.
they triggered, they set off
Also: they took (a picture)
📝 In Action
Sin querer, los niños dispararon la alarma de incendios.
B2Unintentionally, the children set off the fire alarm.
Los comentarios de la prensa dispararon la controversia.
C1The press comments triggered the controversy.
Dispararon una foto al mismo tiempo.
B2They took a picture at the same time.
they skyrocketed, they soared
Also: they launched
📝 In Action
Después de la crisis, los precios de la vivienda se dispararon.
C1After the crisis, housing prices skyrocketed.
Sus acciones en la bolsa se dispararon al conocerse la noticia.
C1Their stocks soared when the news broke.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "dispararon" in Spanish:
they launched→they shot→they skyrocketed→they soared→they triggered→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: dispararon
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'dispararon' in the figurative sense of increasing rapidly?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'disparar' comes from the Latin prefix *dis-* (meaning 'apart' or 'away') and the verb *parare* (meaning 'to prepare' or 'to launch'). The original sense was related to quickly sending something off or preparing to launch a projectile.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'dispararon' always refer to violence or weapons?
No. While the primary meaning is 'they shot' (a weapon), it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean 'they set off' (an alarm), 'they took' (a photo), or 'they skyrocketed' (prices).
Who is performing the action when I see 'dispararon'?
The action is being done by a group of people: either 'ellos' (they, masculine or mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine group), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).