How to Say "shoot" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “shoot” is “dispare” — use 'dispare' when referring to the action of firing a gun or projectile weapon..
dispare
/dees-PAH-reh//disˈpa.ɾe/
Examples
El soldado recibió la orden de disparar.
The soldier received the order to shoot.
El capitán quiere que yo dispare primero.
The captain wants me to shoot first (I may shoot first).
¡No dispare! Es solo una advertencia.
Don't shoot! It's just a warning.
El entrenador dijo: '¡Dispare, señor!'
The coach said, 'Shoot, sir!' (Formal command)
Subjunctive Use (Wishes/Influence)
You use 'dispare' (yo/él/usted) when talking about wishes, requests, or doubts: 'Espero que él dispare bien' (I hope he shoots well).
Formal Command
'Dispare' is the formal 'You' command (Usted): '¡Dispare, por favor!' (Shoot, please!). It is the same form as the subjunctive.
Mixing Commands
Mistake: “Using 'dispara' for a formal command to an elder.”
Correction: Use 'dispare' for formal commands (Usted) and 'dispara' for informal commands (Tú).
pulgar
/pool-GAHR//pulˈɡaɾ/
Examples
El viticultor podó la vid, dejando solo un pulgar con dos yemas.
The vine grower pruned the vine, leaving only a shoot with two buds.
El agricultor dejó dos yemas en cada pulgar de la vid.
The farmer left two buds on each shoot of the vine.
Weapon vs. Plant
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.