tachar
“tachar” means “to cross out” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to cross out
Also: to strike through, to cross off
📝 In Action
Si cometes un error, simplemente táchalo.
A2If you make a mistake, just cross it out.
Ya taché todas las cosas de mi lista de compras.
B1I already crossed off everything from my shopping list.
El profesor tachó el párrafo completo porque no era relevante.
B2The teacher struck through the whole paragraph because it wasn't relevant.
to label, to brand
Also: to call
📝 In Action
Lo tacharon de mentiroso sin tener pruebas.
B2They labeled him a liar without having proof.
No puedes tachar a todo el grupo de irresponsable.
B2You can't brand the whole group as irresponsible.
Muchos lo tachan de loco por sus ideas tan radicales.
C1Many call him crazy because of his radical ideas.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tachar
Question 1 of 3
If you are editing a document and find an error you want to remove with a line, you should...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the noun 'tacha' (fault/defect), which comes from Latin 'tacca' meaning a mark or stain. It evolved from 'marking a defect' to 'crossing out a mistake'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'tachar' for deleting a file on a computer?
Not usually. For digital files, use 'borrar' or 'eliminar'. 'Tachar' refers specifically to the visual act of drawing a line through something.
What is a 'tachón'?
A 'tachón' is a messy or large version of a 'tachar'. If you scribble heavily over a word so it can't be seen at all, that's a 'tachón'.
Is 'tachar' formal?
The meaning 'to cross out' is neutral and used everywhere. The meaning 'to label/brand someone' is slightly more formal or literary, often found in news or books.