escurrir
“escurrir” means “to drain” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to drain, to drip dry
Also: to strain
📝 In Action
Tienes que escurrir la pasta antes de servirla.
A1You have to drain the pasta before serving it.
Deja escurrir los platos sobre el fregadero.
A2Let the dishes drip dry over the sink.
El paraguas está escurriendo agua por todo el pasillo.
B1The umbrella is dripping water all over the hallway.
to wring out, to squeeze out
📝 In Action
Escurre bien la bayeta antes de limpiar la mesa.
A2Wring out the cloth well before cleaning the table.
Tienes que escurrir la fregona para no inundar el suelo.
B1You have to wring out the mop so you don't flood the floor.
Él escurrió su camiseta mojada tras la lluvia.
B2He wrung out his wet t-shirt after the rain.
to slip, to dodge
Also: to sneak away
📝 In Action
El jabón se me escurrió de las manos.
B1The soap slipped out of my hands.
Intentó escurrir el bulto para no hacer el trabajo.
C1He tried to dodge his responsibility to avoid doing the work.
Se escurrió por la puerta trasera sin que nadie lo viera.
B2He slipped out the back door without anyone seeing him.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: escurrir
Question 1 of 3
If you just finished boiling spaghetti, what should you do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'excurrere', which literally means 'to run out' (ex- 'out' + currere 'to run'). This describes the way water 'runs out' of something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'escurrir' a regular verb?
Yes, it follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir.
When should I use 'escurrir' instead of 'resbalar'?
Use 'escurrir' for draining liquids or things slipping through your hands. Use 'resbalar' when a person slips and falls on a floor.
Can I use 'escurrir' for clothes?
Absolutely! It's the standard word for wringing out wet clothes or letting them drip dry.