Inklingo

How to Say "blow" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “blow” is “golpe” — use 'golpe' for any general, forceful impact or hit, whether physical or figurative, like a bump, a punch, or a shock..

golpe🔊A1

Use 'golpe' for any general, forceful impact or hit, whether physical or figurative, like a bump, a punch, or a shock.

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patada🔊A2

Use 'patada' specifically for the action of kicking something with your foot.

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puñetazoB1

Use 'puñetazo' for a punch delivered with a fist, or figuratively for a sudden shock or setback.

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galleta🔊B2

Use 'galleta' informally for a slap or a light hit, often implying a quick, sharp impact.

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palo🔊B2

Use 'palo' to describe a significant blow, especially one that causes emotional or financial hardship, like a shock or setback.

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leche🔊B2

Use 'leche' informally to describe something happening at high speed, like 'going at full speed' or 'a strong hit' in an accident.

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revésC1

Use 'revés' for a serious disappointment, setback, or misfortune, often in a professional or financial context.

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cocaínaB2

Use 'cocaína' as slang for cocaine; it is not a translation of the English word 'blow' in any other sense.

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English → Spanish

golpe

/GOHL-peh//ˈɡolpe/

nounA1general
Use 'golpe' for any general, forceful impact or hit, whether physical or figurative, like a bump, a punch, or a shock.
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-dah/paˈtaða/

nounA2general
Use 'patada' specifically for the action of kicking something with your foot.
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).

puñetazo

nounB1general
Use 'puñetazo' for a punch delivered with a fist, or figuratively for a sudden shock or setback.

Examples

El boxeador le dio un puñetazo muy fuerte.

The boxer gave him a very strong punch.

galleta

/gah-YEH-tah//ɡaˈʎeta/

nounB2informal
Use 'galleta' informally for a slap or a light hit, often implying a quick, sharp impact.
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.

palo

PAH-loh/ˈpa.lo/

nounB2general
Use 'palo' to describe a significant blow, especially one that causes emotional or financial hardship, like a shock or setback.
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-cheh/ˈletʃe/

nounB2informal
Use 'leche' informally to describe something happening at high speed, like 'going at full speed' or 'a strong hit' in an accident.
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.

revés

nounC1general
Use 'revés' for a serious disappointment, setback, or misfortune, often in a professional or financial context.

Examples

La crisis económica fue un duro revés para la compañía.

The economic crisis was a harsh setback for the company.

cocaína

nounB2slang
Use 'cocaína' as slang for cocaine; it is not a translation of the English word 'blow' in any other sense.

Examples

El decomiso de cocaína en el puerto fue noticia nacional.

The seizure of cocaine at the port was national news.

Golpe vs. Palo vs. Revés

Learners often confuse 'golpe', 'palo', and 'revés'. Remember that 'golpe' is the most general term for an impact. 'Palo' implies a significant, often negative, impact or shock, while 'revés' specifically refers to a serious disappointment or setback, especially in business or finance.

Related Translations

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