topar
“topar” means “to run into” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to run into, to bump into
Also: to encounter
📝 In Action
Al doblar la esquina, topé con un viejo amigo.
B1Upon turning the corner, I ran into an old friend.
Ten cuidado, no vayas a topar con la mesa.
A2Be careful, don't bump into the table.
Nuestro proyecto topó con muchos obstáculos legales.
B2Our project ran into many legal obstacles.
to cap, to reach a limit
📝 In Action
El gobierno decidió topar los precios del alquiler.
B2The government decided to cap rental prices.
Su crecimiento profesional topó en esa empresa.
C1His professional growth reached a limit at that company.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: topar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I ran into my teacher'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely an onomatopoeic word, imitating the sound of two things hitting each other ('top!'). It may also be related to an old word for a ram or sheep hitting with its horns.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'topar' the same as 'chocar'?
Not exactly. 'Chocar' is usually a violent crash (like two cars), while 'topar' is a lighter bump or a chance meeting.
Can I use 'topar' for people and things?
Yes! You can 'topar con' a table (physical) or 'topar con' a friend (social).
Is it 'topar' or 'toparse'?
Both are correct. 'Toparse' is very common when talking about people, as it emphasizes the accidental nature of the meeting.