Inklingo

How to Say "pull" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tirar

verbB1general
Use 'tirar' when you mean to exert force to move something towards yourself or to drag it.

Examples

Tira de la puerta para abrirla.

Pull the door to open it.

palanca

/pah-LAHN-kah//paˈlaŋka/

nounB2informal
Use 'palanca' when referring to 'pull' in the sense of having connections or influence to get something done, often in a social or professional context.
A person standing on a tall platform reaching down to help another person up to their level.

Examples

Consiguió el trabajo gracias a la palanca de su tío.

He got the job thanks to his uncle's pull/connections.

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-roh/ˈtiɾo/

nounB2general
Use 'tiro' to refer to the action of drawing, hauling, or the draft of something like a chimney or an engine.
A simple brick chimney on a roof, with smoke rapidly rising straight up into the sky, illustrating a strong draft.

Examples

El tiro de la chimenea es muy bueno.

The draft of the chimney is very good.

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.

Tirar vs. Palanca

The most common mistake is using the noun 'palanca' when you mean the physical action of 'pulling' something. Remember, 'tirar' is the verb for the physical action, while 'palanca' refers to influence or connections.

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