raja
“raja” means “slice” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
slice
Also: wedge
📝 In Action
¿Quieres una raja de sandía?
A1Do you want a slice of watermelon?
Corta el melón en rajas finas.
A2Cut the melon into thin slices.
Me comí una raja de pastel.
B1I ate a slice of cake.
crack
Also: slit
📝 In Action
Hay una raja en la pared del garaje.
B1There is a crack in the garage wall.
Se me hizo una raja en el pantalón.
B2I got a rip/slit in my pants.
La madera tiene una raja profunda.
B2The wood has a deep crack.
he/she/it cracks
Also: he/she gossips
📝 In Action
El frío raja las piedras.
B2The cold cracks the stones.
Ella siempre raja de sus vecinos.
C1She is always badmouthing her neighbors.
¡No te rajes ahora!
B2Don't back out now! (Don't chicken out!)
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: raja
Question 1 of 3
What is 'una raja de sandía'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Vulgar Latin word 'radia', which comes from 'radius' (meaning a rod or a ray/line). It originally described a long, thin line or mark.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'raja' for a slice of pizza?
Usually, no. For pizza, 'porción' or 'trozo' is more common. 'Raja' is mostly for fruit or cake.
Is 'rajar' a bad word?
Not inherently, but when used as slang meaning 'to talk trash about someone', it is very informal and can be considered a bit rude.
What is the difference between 'grieta' and 'raja'?
They are very similar. A 'grieta' is often a natural fissure (like in the earth or an old building), while a 'raja' often implies a cleaner split or something that was cut/torn open.