resbalar
“resbalar” means “to slip” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to slip
Also: to slide
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado, puedes resbalar en el suelo mojado.
A2Be careful, you might slip on the wet floor.
El coche resbaló sobre el hielo.
B1The car slid over the ice.
Se me resbaló el plato de las manos.
B1The plate slipped out of my hands.
to not care
Also: to slide off
📝 In Action
Lo que digan de mí, me resbala.
B2Whatever they say about me, I don't care (it slides right off me).
A él le resbalan las críticas.
B2Criticisms don't bother him at all.
No dejes que sus comentarios te resbalen, ¡defiéndete!
C1Don't let his comments just slide off you; stand up for yourself!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: resbalar
Question 1 of 3
How would you say 'I slipped on the street'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 're-' (indicating intensity) and the root 'esbalar', which comes from Vulgar Latin *resubalare, related to moving or sliding.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'resbalar' and 'patinar'?
Resbalar is usually an accidental slip. Patinar can mean to skid (like a car) or to skate (like ice skating).
Do I always have to use 'me' or 'se' with this word?
Not if the subject is an object (e.g., 'el jabón resbala'). Use 'se' (resbalarse) mainly when a person is the one slipping.
Is 'me resbala' rude?
It is informal and can be slightly dismissive. It's like saying 'I don't give a damn' in a casual way.

