tira
“tira” means “strip” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
strip, bandAlso: ribbon, tape
📝 In Action
Corta una tira de tela para envolver el regalo.
A2Cut a strip of fabric to wrap the gift.
La policía puso una tira amarilla alrededor de la escena.
B1The police put a yellow strip (tape) around the scene.
Word Connections
comic stripAlso: cartoon
📝 In Action
Mi parte favorita del periódico es siempre la tira cómica.
B1My favorite part of the newspaper is always the comic strip.
Esta tira es muy graciosa, ¡mira el dibujo del perro!
B1This strip is very funny, look at the drawing of the dog!
Word Connections
throws, pullsAlso: tosses, throw!
📝 In Action
Ella siempre tira la pelota para que el perro corra.
A1She always throws the ball so the dog can run.
¡Tira esa botella a la basura!
A1Throw that bottle in the trash!
El motor tira mucho humo cuando arranca.
B2The engine gives off a lot of smoke when it starts.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tira
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tira' as a noun describing a physical object?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word 'tira' (both the noun and the verb root) likely comes from an older Germanic word meaning 'to pull' or 'to draw.' This explains why the word means both 'a strip' (something drawn out or pulled long) and 'to throw' or 'to pull.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if 'tira' means 'strip' or 'throws'?
Look at the word before it! If it has an article like 'la' or 'una' (la tira, una tira), it's the noun 'strip.' If it follows a subject like 'él' or 'ella' (él tira), or is used as a command (¡Tira!), it's the verb 'throws/pulls'.
Does 'tira' ever mean 'to take off' clothes?
Yes, but usually in a reflexive form like 'tirarse' or in specific phrases. For simple 'take off,' it is much safer and clearer to use 'quitarse' or 'sacarse' instead of 'tirar' to avoid confusion.