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golpe

GOHL-peh/ˈɡolpe/

hit, blow

Also: knock, punch
NounmA1
A vibrant illustration of a human fist hitting a soft, round punching bag, showing the moment of impact.

📝 In Action

Recibió un fuerte golpe en la cabeza al caer.

A1

He received a strong blow to the head when falling.

Oímos un golpe en la puerta y fuimos a abrir.

A2

We heard a knock at the door and went to open it.

La caja se cayó con un gran golpe.

A1

The box fell with a big thump/bang.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • porrazo (hard blow/tumble)
  • choque (crash/collision)

Common Collocations

  • dar un golpe – to hit / to knock
  • golpe de puño – a punch

shock, stroke

Also: setback, sudden rush
NounmB1
A storybook illustration of a figure sitting down, covering their face with their hands, conveying emotional shock or distress.

📝 In Action

La crisis económica fue un golpe duro para muchas empresas.

B1

The economic crisis was a hard blow/shock for many companies.

¡Qué golpe de suerte! Encontré el anillo perdido.

B1

What a stroke of luck! I found the lost ring.

Ella se fue de golpe, sin despedirse.

B2

She left suddenly, without saying goodbye.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • impacto (impact)
  • infortunio (misfortune)

Common Collocations

  • de golpe – suddenly / all at once
  • golpe de suerte – a stroke of luck
  • golpe bajo – a low blow (unfair action)

Idioms & Expressions

  • A golpe de vista – At first glance / just by looking

coup d'état, coup

Also: takeover
NounmB2neutral/formal
A colorful illustration of a golden crown tumbling off a tall, stone pedestal, symbolizing a sudden political overthrow.

📝 In Action

Históricamente, el país sufrió varios golpes de estado en el siglo XX.

B2

Historically, the country suffered several coups d'état in the 20th century.

Se rumoreaba un golpe militar contra el presidente.

B2

A military coup against the president was rumored.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • revolución (revolution)
  • sublevación (uprising)

Common Collocations

  • golpe de estado – coup d'état
  • dar un golpe de estado – to stage a coup

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: golpe

Question 1 of 3

Which translation of 'golpe' is correct in the sentence: 'Nos dio un golpe de estado la semana pasada.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
golpear(to hit / to strike) — Verb
golpeador(hitter / abuser (person)) — Noun
golpazo(a huge blow / bang) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
topegalope
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'golpe' comes from the older Spanish word 'colpe,' which itself originated from a Vulgar Latin word, *colpus, meaning 'blow' or 'strike.' It is related to actions involving sudden, forceful movement.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: colpoFrench: coup

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'golpe' and 'puñetazo'?

'Golpe' is a general term for any hit, knock, or blow (from a hand, a door, a fall, etc.). 'Puñetazo' is specific: it means a punch delivered strictly with a closed fist.

How do I say 'to hit' if 'golpe' is a noun?

To express the verb 'to hit,' you use the related verb 'golpear.' For example, 'Yo golpeo la mesa' means 'I hit the table.'