encoger
“encoger” means “to shrink” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to shrink
Also: to contract
📝 In Action
No laves ese suéter con agua caliente o se va a encoger.
A2Don't wash that sweater with hot water or it will shrink.
El algodón tiende a encoger un poco en la primera lavada.
B1Cotton tends to shrink a bit during the first wash.
He encogido mi camiseta favorita por error.
B1I have shrunk my favorite t-shirt by mistake.
to shrug, to huddle / pull in
Also: to cringe
📝 In Action
Cuando le pregunté, solo pudo encoger los hombros.
B1When I asked him, he could only shrug his shoulders.
Hacía tanto frío que tuve que encogerme en la cama.
B1It was so cold that I had to huddle up in bed.
No te encojas, mantén la espalda recta.
B2Don't slouch (pull yourself in), keep your back straight.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encoger
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I shrink' (present tense) correctly?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'colligere', which means 'to gather together' or 'to collect'. Over time, it evolved to describe the physical act of things drawing together and becoming smaller.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encoger' always reflexive (using 'se')?
Not always. Use 'encoger' when you are the one doing it to something else (I shrank my shirt). Use 'encogerse' when it happens to the subject (The shirt shrank) or for body movements (He shrugged).
What's the difference between 'achicar' and 'encoger'?
'Achicar' is often used for physically making something smaller intentionally (like a photo or a room), while 'encoger' is most common for laundry shrinking or body language.
Can 'encogido' describe a person?
Yes! If you say someone is 'encogido', it can mean they are physically hunched over, but it can also figuratively mean they are acting very shy or intimidated.