Inklingo

How to Say "beating" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ganando

/gah-NAHN-doh//ɡaˈnando/

verbA1general
Use this when 'beating' refers to the act of winning or defeating an opponent in a game, match, or competition.
A cartoon athlete standing on the highest step of a simple three-tiered victory podium, raising a gold trophy.

Examples

¡Vamos ganando el partido! El marcador es 3 a 1.

We are winning the game! The score is 3 to 1.

Aunque está perdiendo, el equipo sigue luchando y quizás termine ganando.

Although they are losing, the team keeps fighting and might end up winning.

Action in Progress

When you use "estar ganando," it emphasizes the action happening at that exact moment, like watching a sports match unfold live.

paliza

pah-LEE-sah/paˈlisa/

nounB1general
Use this noun when 'beating' refers to a physical attack or a severe thrashing given to someone.
A cartoon character with a large bandage wrapped around its head and a blue bruise on its cheek, depicting injury following a beating.

Examples

El matón le dio una paliza y le robó el dinero.

The bully gave him a beating and stole his money.

La policía detuvo a los responsables de la paliza.

The police arrested those responsible for the thrashing.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-a', remember to use the feminine article: 'la paliza'.

palos

/PAH-lohs//ˈpalos/

nounB1general
Use this term when 'beating' specifically refers to physical punishment, often involving hitting.
A thick brown wooden stick or club is shown mid-swing, indicated by simple movement lines against a plain background.

Examples

Le dieron palos por intentar robar.

They gave him a beating for trying to steal. (They hit him.)

Recibió varios palos en la cabeza durante la pelea.

He received several blows to the head during the fight.

Using 'Dar' for Action

When talking about giving a blow or hit, Spanish often uses the verb 'dar' (to give): 'dar palos' (to give blows).

manta

MAHN-tah/ˈmanta/

nounC1informal
Use this informal term when 'beating' refers to a very harsh physical assault or thrashing, often implying a severe punishment.
A simple, well-worn wooden paddle with a handle resting on a rustic wooden floor, symbolizing a thrashing or punishment.

Examples

Si no haces la tarea, tu madre te va a dar una manta.

If you don't do your homework, your mother is going to give you a beating (a thrashing).

En el centro comercial había una manta de gente comprando.

There was a huge crowd of people shopping in the mall.

Slang Use

This meaning is often used in the set phrase 'dar una manta' (to give a beating) and should generally be avoided in formal settings.

Confusing Physical Assaults

Learners often confuse 'paliza' and 'manta' for physical beatings. While both describe assault, 'manta' is more informal and implies a more severe, potentially excessive thrashing, often used humorously or hyperbolically.

Related Translations

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