Inklingo

How to Say "slap" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bofetada

bo-fay-TAH-dahbofeˈtaða

nounA2general
Use 'bofetada' for a clear, physical blow with an open hand, typically to the face, often implying a degree of seriousness or formality.
A close-up illustration of a hand making contact with a person's cheek, showing a sudden physical impact.

Examples

Le dio una bofetada por su insolencia.

He gave her a slap for her insolence.

Ella le dio una bofetada en la mejilla.

She gave him a slap on the cheek.

Se escuchó el sonido de una bofetada en toda la habitación.

The sound of a slap was heard throughout the whole room.

Es inaceptable resolver los problemas con bofetadas.

It is unacceptable to solve problems with slaps.

Using the right verb

In Spanish, you don't 'slap' someone using a single verb easily; instead, you 'give a slap' (dar una bofetada) to the person.

Indicating the victim

When you say who received the slap, use the word 'le' (to him/her) or 'me' (to me). For example: 'Le dio una bofetada' means 'He/she gave him/her a slap'.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El bofetada.”

Correction: La bofetada. Even though it ends in 'a' like many feminine words, learners sometimes forget and use the masculine 'el' because it feels like a 'hard' or 'aggressive' noun.

torta

TOR-tahˈtoɾta

nounB1general
Choose 'torta' for a direct, forceful slap to the face, often used in contexts where the action is a reaction to an insult or provocation.
A cartoon depiction of a large open hand quickly making contact with a stylized human cheek, emphasizing the motion of a slap.

Examples

Recibió una torta que lo hizo girar la cabeza.

He received a slap that made his head spin.

Le dio una torta en la cara por insultarla.

He gave her a slap in the face for insulting her.

Si no te callas, te voy a dar una torta.

If you don't shut up, I'm going to give you a smack.

galleta

gah-YEH-tahɡaˈʎeta

nounB2informal
Use 'galleta' for a quick, often less serious or more informal slap, sometimes used playfully or as a mild threat.
A stylized illustration showing a large open hand moving quickly and forcefully from the side, suggesting a striking or slapping motion.

Examples

Si sigues así, te doy una galleta.

If you keep this up, I'll give you a slap.

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.

Choosing between 'bofetada', 'torta', and 'galleta'

Learners often confuse these terms, especially 'bofetada' and 'torta', as both refer to a direct slap. Remember that 'bofetada' is more general and common across all registers, while 'torta' can imply a more forceful or impactful blow, often in a moment of anger. 'Galleta' is distinctly more informal and can even be lighthearted.

Related Translations

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