A colorful illustration of a closed fist making impact with a soft, round punching bag.

puñetazo

poo-nye-TAH-so

nounmB1

punch?a physical blow with a closed fist

Also:thump?a heavy hit with the hand,blow?figurative, as in a sudden shock or setback

📝 In Action

El boxeador le dio un puñetazo muy fuerte.

The boxer gave him a very strong punch.

Le dio un puñetazo a la mesa por la frustración.

He punched the table out of frustration.

Su renuncia fue un puñetazo para el equipo.

His resignation was a huge blow to the team.

Word Connections

Synonyms

golpe (hit/blow)
trompazo (heavy blow (slang))

Antonyms

caricia (caress/gentle touch)

Common Collocations

dar un puñetazo – to throw a punch
recibir un puñetazo – to be punched
puñetazo sobre la mesa – thumping the table (taking a stand)

Idioms & Expressions

dar un puñetazo sobre la mesa – To take a firm stand or assert authority suddenly

💡 Grammar Points

The '-azo' Suffix

In Spanish, adding '-azo' to a noun often indicates a 'hit' or 'blow' made with that object. Since 'puño' means fist, 'puñetazo' is a hit with a fist.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Punch vs. Hit

Mistake: "Using 'golpe' for everything."

Correction: Use 'puñetazo' specifically when a fist is involved. 'Golpe' is more general and can mean any kind of hit.

⭐ Usage Tips

Verbs to use

You don't 'throw' (tirar) a punch in Spanish; you usually 'give' (dar) or 'land' (pegar) one.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: puñetazo

Question 1 of 2

What is the most accurate translation for 'puñetazo'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

puño(fist) - noun

puñalada(stab wound) - noun

empuñar(to grip/grasp) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'puñetazo' always involve violence?

While it usually describes a physical strike, it can be used figuratively to describe a sudden, shocking event, like a 'blow' to one's ego or plans.

How is it different from 'cachetada'?

A 'puñetazo' is a hit with a closed fist (a punch), while a 'cachetada' is a hit with an open hand (a slap).