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How to Say "snare" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atrapar

/a-tra-par//a.tɾaˈpaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'atrapar' when referring to the act of catching or trapping an animal or person, often with the implication of success.
A hand reaching out and successfully catching a bright blue ball mid-air.

Examples

El jardinero logró atrapar a la ardilla en la jaula.

The gardener managed to catch the squirrel in the cage.

Tienes que saltar muy alto para atrapar esa pelota.

You have to jump very high to catch that ball.

Direct Object

The thing being caught (the direct object) often follows the verb directly: 'atrapar la pelota' (catch the ball).

trampa

/tram-pa//ˈtɾampa/

nounA2general
Use 'trampa' specifically for the physical device or setup designed to catch animals, like a mousetrap.
A simple wooden box trap, baited with a small piece of cheese, resting on a patch of dirt and grass.

Examples

Pusimos una trampa para ratones en la cocina.

We put a mousetrap in the kitchen.

Ten cuidado, esa zona está llena de trampas naturales.

Be careful, that area is full of natural traps (pitfalls).

lazo

/LAH-soh//ˈlaso/

nounB2specific (e.g., cowboy, ranch)
Use 'lazo' when referring to a trap that uses a loop, most commonly a lasso used for catching larger animals like cattle.
A coiled rope with a loop at the end sitting on a wooden fence.

Examples

El vaquero lanzó el lazo para atrapar al ternero.

The cowboy threw the lasso to catch the calf.

Action vs. Device

Learners often confuse 'atrapar' (the action) with 'trampa' (the device). Remember that 'atrapar' is the verb for catching, while 'trampa' is the noun for the trap itself. 'Lazo' is a specific type of trap involving a loop.

Related Translations

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