tirón
“tirón” means “pull” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
pull, tug
Also: jerk
📝 In Action
Le dio un tirón a la cuerda para abrir la cortina.
A2He gave the rope a pull to open the curtain.
Sentí un tirón en mi bolso y vi al ladrón corriendo.
B1I felt a tug on my bag and saw the thief running.
No abras la puerta de un tirón, hazlo despacio.
B1Don't open the door with a jerk; do it slowly.
muscle strain, cramp
Also: pulled muscle
📝 In Action
Me dio un tirón en la pantorrilla mientras corría.
B1I got a muscle strain in my calf while running.
Tengo un tirón en la espalda por cargar cajas pesadas.
B1I have a pulled muscle in my back from carrying heavy boxes.
Calienta bien antes de jugar para evitar tirones.
B2Warm up well before playing to avoid muscle strains.
appeal, draw
Also: attraction
📝 In Action
Ese actor tiene mucho tirón entre los jóvenes.
C1That actor has a lot of appeal among young people.
La oferta de verano tuvo un gran tirón comercial.
C1The summer offer was a big commercial draw.
Esta ciudad ya no tiene el tirón turístico de antes.
C2This city no longer has the tourist appeal it used to.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tirón
Question 1 of 3
If you read a book 'de un tirón', how did you read it?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the verb 'tirar' (to pull), which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'tirare'. The suffix '-ón' is added to indicate a sudden or forceful action.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tirón' always negative when talking about muscles?
Yes, it always refers to an injury or a sharp pain caused by overstretching or a sudden movement.
What is the difference between 'tirón' and 'estirón'?
A 'tirón' is a sudden pull or injury. An 'estirón' usually refers to a 'growth spurt' (when a child grows tall quickly) or a deliberate stretch.
Can 'tirón' be used for a drawer?
Not exactly. The action of pulling the drawer is 'un tirón', but the drawer itself is 'un cajón'.


