disparo
“disparo” means “shot” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
shot, firing
Also: blast, spike
📝 In Action
Se oyó un disparo en la distancia y todos se asustaron.
B1A shot was heard in the distance and everyone got scared.
El disparo de los precios del petróleo afectó la economía.
B2The spike in oil prices affected the economy.
Necesitamos practicar el tiro al blanco, ¿cuántos disparos quedan?
B1We need to practice target shooting, how many shots are left?
I shoot, I fire
Also: I set off
📝 In Action
Yo siempre disparo primero y luego pregunto, ¡es mi regla!
A2I always shoot first and then ask questions, it's my rule!
Cuando estoy nervioso, disparo muchas preguntas sin pensar.
B2When I'm nervous, I fire off lots of questions without thinking.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: disparo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'disparo' as a noun describing a sudden, sharp increase?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the combination of the prefix 'des-' (meaning separation or reversal) and the Latin verb 'parare' (to prepare or make ready). The original meaning was likely 'to un-prepare' or 'to launch/throw' something that was ready, leading to the modern sense of 'to fire' or 'to launch'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'un disparo' and 'un tiro'?
They are often interchangeable. Both mean 'a shot.' 'Disparo' tends to emphasize the act of firing or the sound, while 'tiro' can also refer to the trajectory or the distance covered by a thrown object, though it is very common for gunshots as well.
Can 'disparo' be used to talk about photography?
Yes! While less common than 'foto' or 'toma,' 'disparo' can be used in technical contexts to mean 'shutter release' or 'a shot' taken by a camera, especially when talking about high-speed or rapid photography.