tira
/TEE-rah/
strip
A visual representation of a material strip, or "tira".
tira(noun)
strip
?long, narrow piece of material
,band
?ribbon or elastic material
ribbon
?thin decorative material
,tape
?adhesive or measuring 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in '-a', remember that 'tira' is always feminine, so you must use 'la tira' or 'una tira'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Materials
This word is often followed by 'de' and the material it's made of (e.g., 'tira de metal,' 'tira de plástico').
"Tira" can refer to a comic strip, a short cartoon sequence.
📝 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!
⭐ Usage Tips
Shortened Form
While the full term is 'tira cómica,' people often just say 'la tira' when the context is clearly about cartoons or newspaper sections.
The verb form "tira" means he/she/it throws an object.
tira(verb)
throws
?he/she/it throws
,pulls
?he/she/it pulls (less common sense)
tosses
?he/she/it tosses
,throw!
?You (informal) throw (as a command)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Imperative Form
The word 'tira' is the command form for 'tú' (you, informal). Use it when telling a friend to throw or pull something: '¡Tira la puerta!' (Pull the door!).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Throwing vs. Taking Off
Mistake: "Using 'tirar' when you mean 'to take off' clothes (Quiero tirar mi chaqueta)."
Correction: Use 'quitarse' or 'sacarse' for clothes. 'Quiero quitarme mi chaqueta.' (I want to take off my jacket).
⭐ Usage Tips
Dual Meaning: Throw/Pull
Depending on the region and context, 'tirar' can mean both 'to throw/toss' OR 'to pull/draw.' If you see a sign saying 'Tira,' try pulling the door!
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tira
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tira' as a noun describing a physical object?
📚 More Resources
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.