estirar
“estirar” means “to stretch” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to stretch
Also: to pull, to smooth out
📝 In Action
Es importante estirar después de hacer ejercicio.
A2It is important to stretch after exercising.
Estira bien el mantel para que no se vean las arrugas.
B1Smooth the tablecloth out well so the wrinkles don't show.
El perro se estiró después de su siesta.
A2The dog stretched (himself) after his nap.
to make something last
📝 In Action
Tengo que estirar el sueldo hasta el próximo mes.
B2I have to make my salary last until next month.
Si añadimos más arroz, podemos estirar la comida para seis personas.
B2If we add more rice, we can stretch the meal for six people.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: estirar
Question 1 of 3
If you are at the gym and warming up your legs, you are...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'extirare', which combines 'ex' (out) and 'tirare' (to pull). Essentially, it means to pull something out to its full length.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'estirar' different from 'extender'?
Yes. 'Estirar' usually implies tension or pulling something to make it longer or flatter (like a rubber band). 'Extender' is more about spreading something out (like spreading butter on bread).
Can I use 'estirar' for growing taller?
Not directly. Instead of saying 'He stretched,' say 'Dio un estirón' (He gave a stretch) to describe a child getting taller.
What does it mean if I call someone 'estirado'?
It's an adjective for someone who acts snobbish, very formal, or 'stuck-up.' Think of someone holding themselves so straight they look stiff!