Inklingo

How to Say "pull" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pull” is “tire” — use 'tire' when referring to the physical action of exerting force to move something towards yourself, like pulling a door or a rope.

tire🔊B1

Use 'tire' when referring to the physical action of exerting force to move something towards yourself, like pulling a door or a rope.

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tirón🔊A2

Use 'tirón' to describe a sudden, sharp tug or jerk, often on something like a rope or a piece of clothing.

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arrastre🔊C1

Use 'arrastre' to talk about popular appeal or influence, especially with a specific group of people like voters or young people.

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palanca🔊B2

Use 'palanca' to refer to having 'connections' or influence that helps you get something done, often in a professional or social context.

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tiro🔊B2

Use 'tiro' specifically when referring to the drawing or hauling action, or in the context of a chimney's draft.

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vara🔊C1

Use 'vara' informally to describe significant influence or connections, often held by someone in a position of authority.

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English → Spanish

tire

TEE-rehˈti.ɾe

verbB1general
Use 'tire' when referring to the physical action of exerting force to move something towards yourself, like pulling a door or a rope.
A child using a rope to pull a bright red toy wagon across a grassy surface.

Examples

Tira de la puerta para abrirla.

Pull the door to open it.

Le pido que tire la cuerda con fuerza.

I ask that you (formal) pull the rope hard.

Si usted no tire de la manija, la puerta no abre.

If you don't pull the handle, the door won't open.

tirón

tee-ROHNtiˈɾon

nounA2general
Use 'tirón' to describe a sudden, sharp tug or jerk, often on something like a rope or a piece of clothing.
A hand pulling a rope with a sudden, forceful tug.

Examples

Le dio un tirón a la cuerda para abrir la cortina.

He gave the rope a pull to open the curtain.

Sentí un tirón en mi bolso y vi al ladrón corriendo.

I felt a tug on my bag and saw the thief running.

No abras la puerta de un tirón, hazlo despacio.

Don't open the door with a jerk; do it slowly.

Using 'Dar' with Tirón

To say 'to pull' something suddenly, Spanish often uses the verb 'dar' (to give) with 'tirón' instead of just a single verb.

Using 'Pulsar' for pull

Mistake: “Pulsé la cuerda.”

Correction: Le di un tirón a la cuerda.

arrastre

ah-RAHS-trehaˈras.tɾe

nounC1general
Use 'arrastre' to talk about popular appeal or influence, especially with a specific group of people like voters or young people.
A crowd of happy people following a charismatic leader who is walking forward.

Examples

Ese candidato tiene mucho arrastre entre los jóvenes.

That candidate has a lot of pull among young people.

Su carisma le da un gran arrastre electoral.

His charisma gives him great electoral appeal.

La marca perdió su arrastre después del escándalo.

The brand lost its attraction after the scandal.

Figurative Use

Just as a tractor 'drags' a load, a charismatic person 'drags' or pulls people toward their ideas. This is why we use the same word for both.

palanca

pah-LAHN-kahpaˈlaŋka

nounB2informal
Use 'palanca' to refer to having 'connections' or influence that helps you get something done, often in a professional or social context.
A person standing on a tall platform reaching down to help another person up to their level.

Examples

Entró en esa empresa porque tiene mucha palanca.

He got into that company because he has a lot of pull/connections.

Sin palanca es difícil conseguir los permisos rápido.

Without influence, it is hard to get the permits quickly.

Palanca vs. Enchufe

Mistake: “Using 'enchufe' in Mexico to mean influence.”

Correction: Use 'palanca' in Latin America for more natural-sounding slang.

tiro

TEE-rohˈtiɾo

nounB2general
Use 'tiro' specifically when referring to the drawing or hauling action, or in the context of a chimney's draft.
A simple brick chimney on a roof, with smoke rapidly rising straight up into the sky, illustrating a strong draft.

Examples

La chimenea tiene buen tiro, por eso no sale humo.

The chimney has a good draft, that's why no smoke comes out.

El carro de tiro es muy pesado para un solo caballo.

The haulage cart is too heavy for a single horse.

vara

bah-rahˈba.ɾa

nounC1informal
Use 'vara' informally to describe significant influence or connections, often held by someone in a position of authority.
A polished wooden staff with a golden top resting on a velvet cushion.

Examples

En este pueblo, el alcalde tiene la vara alta.

In this town, the mayor has a lot of influence.

No intentes discutir con ella; tiene la vara de mando.

Don't try to argue with her; she holds the staff of command.

Él tiene vara en ese departamento.

He has pull in that department.

Symbolic Power

The 'vara' represents the physical staff that leaders or mayors used to carry as a symbol of their office.

Verb vs. Noun for 'Pull'

Learners often confuse the verb 'tirar' (to pull) with nouns like 'tirón' (a tug) or 'arrastre' (influence). Remember that 'tirar' describes the action itself, while 'tirón' is a sudden instance of that action, and 'arrastre' refers to popularity or sway.

Related Translations

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