jalar
“jalar” means “to pull” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to pull
Also: to tug, to haul
📝 In Action
Jala la puerta para abrirla.
A1Pull the door to open it.
El niño jaló el juguete de las manos de su hermano.
A2The boy pulled the toy from his brother's hands.
No jales tanto la cuerda o se va a romper.
B1Don't pull the rope so much or it's going to break.
to work
Also: to function
📝 In Action
Mi computadora ya no jala.
B1My computer doesn't work anymore.
¿Jala bien el internet aquí?
B1Does the internet work well here?
to be in
Also: to join
📝 In Action
Vamos por tacos, ¿jalas?
B2We're going for tacos, you in?
Sí, yo jalo.
B2Yeah, I'm down / I'm in.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: jalar
Question 1 of 3
You see a sign on a door that says 'JALE'. What should you do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the word 'halar,' which comes from the Old French 'haler' (to pull a boat with a rope). Over time, in many Spanish-speaking regions, the 'h' sound became a 'j' sound (/x/).
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'halar' and 'jalar'?
They mean the exact same thing! 'Halar' is considered the more 'formal' or dictionary-correct version, especially in nautical contexts, but 'jalar' is much more common in everyday speech across Latin America.
Is 'jalar' rude?
The physical meaning 'to pull' is not rude at all. However, some slang uses (like 'jalada') can be very informal, so use those with friends!
Can I use 'jalar' in Spain?
You will be understood, but people in Spain usually say 'tirar' for pulling. In Spain, 'jalar' is more commonly used as slang for 'to eat' (jalarse algo).