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puñalada

poo-nyah-LAH-dahpuɲaˈlaða

“puñalada” means “stab” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

stab, stab wound

Also: thrust
NounfB1
A sharp silver dagger piercing through a piece of thick, dark leather on a plain wooden surface.

📝 In Action

El hombre fue llevado al hospital tras recibir una puñalada.

B1

The man was taken to the hospital after being stabbed.

La herida parece una puñalada profunda.

B2

The wound looks like a deep stab wound.

El pirata atacó con una puñalada rápida.

B2

The pirate attacked with a quick knife thrust.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estocada (thrust/stab)
  • tajo (gash/slash)

Common Collocations

  • dar una puñalada – to stab someone
  • recibir una puñalada – to receive a stab wound

stab in the back, blow

Also: low blow
NounfB2informal
A person in a green shirt holding a hidden dagger behind their back while smiling at a friend.

📝 In Action

Tu mentira fue una puñalada para mi corazón.

B2

Your lie was a stab to my heart.

Que me despidieran sin aviso fue una puñalada por la espalda.

C1

Getting fired without notice was a stab in the back.

Sus palabras fueron una puñalada.

B1

Her words were a real blow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • traición (betrayal)
  • golpe (blow/shock)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • puñalada trapera – a treacherous stab in the back
  • sentir una puñalada – to feel a sharp pain/shock

Idioms & Expressions

  • una puñalada por la espalda – A complete betrayal of trust

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "puñalada" in Spanish:

low blow→stab→stab wound→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: puñalada

Question 1 of 3

Which word refers to the physical weapon, rather than the wound it causes?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
puño(fist) — Noun
puñal(dagger) — Noun
apuñalar(to stab) — Verb
empuñar(to grip/wield) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish word 'puñal' (dagger), which comes from 'puño' (fist), because a dagger is a weapon meant to be held tightly in the fist.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: punhaladaItalian: pugnalata

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'puñalada' only for knife wounds?

Technically, it specifically refers to wounds from a 'puñal' (dagger) or knife, but figuratively it can be used for any sharp emotional betrayal.

What is the difference between 'apuñalar' and 'puñalada'?

'Apuñalar' is the action (to stab), while 'puñalada' is the name of the result (the stab wound).

Can 'puñalada' be used for a medical injection?

No, that would be very dramatic! For a medical shot, use 'inyección' or 'pinchazo'.