Inklingo

How to Say "blow" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “blow” is “golpe” — use this for any general, forceful physical impact, like being hit by an object or falling.

golpe🔊A1

Use this for any general, forceful physical impact, like being hit by an object or falling.

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patada🔊A2

Use this specifically when the 'blow' is delivered by kicking, usually an object like a ball or sometimes a person.

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galleta🔊B2

This is informal slang for a physical hit, often a slap, used to express annoyance or as a threat.

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puñetazoB1

While literally a punch, it can be used figuratively to describe a sudden shock or setback, similar to a strong negative impact.

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palo🔊B2

Use this to describe a significant negative impact or shock, often in response to bad news, like losing a job or facing a major problem.

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leche🔊B2

This is informal slang, often used to describe a vehicle moving at extreme speed, metaphorically a 'blow' of speed.

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puñaladaB2

This translates to 'stab' and is used figuratively for a sudden, sharp emotional shock or betrayal.

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revésC1

Use this for a serious disappointment or setback, especially in a financial or professional context.

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cocaínaB2

This is slang for cocaine, and the 'blow' refers to the act of inhaling the drug, not a physical impact.

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English → Spanish

golpe

GOHL-pehˈɡolpe

nounA1general
Use this for any general, forceful physical impact, like being hit by an object or falling.
A vibrant illustration of a human fist hitting a soft, round punching bag, showing the moment of impact.

Examples

Recibió un fuerte golpe en la cabeza al caer.

He received a strong blow to the head when falling.

Oímos un golpe en la puerta y fuimos a abrir.

We heard a knock at the door and went to open it.

La caja se cayó con un gran golpe.

The box fell with a big thump/bang.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'golpe' ends in 'e', it is always a masculine noun, meaning you must use 'el' or 'un' before it (e.g., el golpe, un golpe).

Confusing 'Golpear'

Mistake: “Using 'golpear' (the verb, to hit) instead of the noun 'golpe' when describing the action itself, like saying 'el golpear' for 'a hit'.”

Correction: Use the noun: 'Fue un golpe muy fuerte.' (It was a very strong hit.)

patada

pah-TAH-dahpaˈtaða

nounA2general
Use this specifically when the 'blow' is delivered by kicking, usually an object like a ball or sometimes a person.
A person's foot, wearing a bright red sneaker, is mid-action, powerfully kicking a blue soccer ball across a green field.

Examples

El jugador le dio una patada al balón.

The player gave the ball a kick.

Fue una patada accidental, no quería lastimarlo.

It was an accidental kick; he didn't mean to hurt him.

Intentó abrir la puerta con una patada, pero no funcionó.

He tried to open the door with a kick, but it didn't work.

Using 'Dar'

In Spanish, the action of kicking is usually expressed using the verb 'dar' (to give) plus the noun 'patada': 'dar una patada'. It feels more natural than trying to use the verb 'patear' in many contexts.

Confusing 'Patada' and 'Pata'

Mistake: “Using 'pata' when referring to the action: 'Dio una pata al balón.'”

Correction: Use 'patada' for the action: 'Dio una patada al balón.' Remember 'pata' means 'leg/paw' (usually of an animal or furniture).

galleta

gah-YEH-tahɡaˈʎeta

nounB2informal
This is informal slang for a physical hit, often a slap, used to express annoyance or as a threat.
A stylized illustration showing a large open hand moving quickly and forcefully from the side, suggesting a striking or slapping motion.

Examples

Si no paras de molestar, te voy a dar una galleta.

If you don't stop bothering me, I'm going to give you a slap.

El boxeador le soltó una galleta que lo dejó mareado.

The boxer landed a punch that left him dizzy.

Se llevó una galleta con la puerta al entrar.

He hit himself (got a blow) with the door when entering.

puñetazo

nounB1general
While literally a punch, it can be used figuratively to describe a sudden shock or setback, similar to a strong negative impact.

Examples

El boxeador le dio un puñetazo muy fuerte.

The boxer gave him a very strong punch.

palo

PAH-lohˈpa.lo

nounB2general
Use this to describe a significant negative impact or shock, often in response to bad news, like losing a job or facing a major problem.
A simple illustration showing a wooden mallet striking a wooden block, with white visual lines radiating outward indicating the force of the impact.

Examples

La noticia de su despido fue un palo muy duro.

The news of his firing was a very hard blow/shock.

El ladrón le dio un palo en la cabeza para robarle.

The thief hit him on the head to rob him. (Literal physical blow)

leche

LEH-chehˈletʃe

nounB2informal
This is informal slang, often used to describe a vehicle moving at extreme speed, metaphorically a 'blow' of speed.
A large, wooden mallet is striking a sturdy wooden block, with visual action lines indicating the strong force of the impact.

Examples

El coche iba a toda leche por la autopista.

The car was going really fast (at full speed) on the highway.

Me di una leche contra la pared y ahora me duele la cabeza.

I hit (or smacked) myself against the wall and now my head hurts.

¡Qué leche! ¡Se me ha olvidado el pasaporte!

Darn it! I forgot my passport!

Use with Reflexive Verbs

To express hitting yourself, you often use 'darse una leche' (to give oneself a blow). The 'se' (reflexive pronoun) is key here.

puñalada

nounB2figurative
This translates to 'stab' and is used figuratively for a sudden, sharp emotional shock or betrayal.

Examples

Tu mentira fue una puñalada para mi corazón.

Your lie was a stab to my heart.

revés

nounC1general
Use this for a serious disappointment or setback, especially in a financial or professional context.

Examples

La crisis económica fue un duro revés para la compañía.

The economic crisis was a harsh setback for the company.

cocaína

nounB2slang
This is slang for cocaine, and the 'blow' refers to the act of inhaling the drug, not a physical impact.

Examples

El decomiso de cocaína en el puerto fue noticia nacional.

The seizure of cocaine at the port was national news.

Physical vs. Figurative 'Blows'

Learners often confuse 'golpe' (general physical hit) with figurative terms like 'palo' (shock/setback) or 'revés' (serious disappointment). Remember that 'golpe' is for physical impacts, while 'palo' and 'revés' describe negative emotional or situational outcomes.

Related Translations

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