tambalear
“tambalear” means “to stagger” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to stagger, to wobble
Also: to reel, to sway
📝 In Action
El boxeador empezó a tambalear después del fuerte golpe.
B2The boxer began to stagger after the heavy blow.
La mesa se tambalea porque tiene una pata más corta.
A2The table wobbles because it has one shorter leg.
Después de tres vueltas rápidas, el niño caminaba tambaleando.
B1After three fast spins, the boy was walking while staggering.
to falter, to be shaky
Also: to waver
📝 In Action
La economía del país empezó a tambalear tras la crisis.
C1The country's economy began to falter after the crisis.
Sus argumentos hicieron tambalear la teoría del científico.
C2His arguments made the scientist's theory waver.
El gobierno se tambalea debido a las recientes protestas.
B2The government is shaky due to recent protests.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "tambalear" in Spanish:
to falter→to reel→to stagger→to sway→to waver→to wobble→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tambalear
Question 1 of 3
If a chair is about to break and moves from side to side when you sit, the chair is...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely of expressive/onomatopoeic origin, mimicking the sound or rhythm of unsteady movement, possibly influenced by the word 'tambo' (a drum or beat).
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tambalear' always reflexive (used with 'se')?
Not always, but when referring to people, it is much more natural to say 'tambalearse'. When an outside force makes something wobble, you use 'tambalear'.
What is the difference between 'tambalear' and 'vacilar'?
They can both mean to sway, but 'vacilar' is often used for mental hesitation (not being sure), while 'tambalear' is almost always about physical or structural instability.
Can I use 'tambalear' for a voice?
Usually, we use 'temblar' (to tremble) for a voice. 'Tambalear' implies a larger, swaying motion of the whole body or a large system.