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How to Say "spike" in Spanish

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clavo

/KLAH-boh//ˈklaβo/

nounA1general
Use 'clavo' when referring to a metal fastener, typically used with a hammer, to join pieces of wood or attach something to a wall.
A single sharp metal nail standing upright against a plain background.

Examples

Necesito un clavo grande para fijar esta tabla.

I need a big nail to fix this board.

Necesito un martillo y un clavo para colgar este cuadro.

I need a hammer and a nail to hang this picture.

Ten cuidado con ese clavo oxidado.

Be careful with that rusty nail.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', which is common for masculine words, remember that 'clavo' never changes to 'clava' when referring to hardware.

remate

/reh-MAH-teh//reˈmate/

nounA2sports
Use 'remate' specifically for the powerful, offensive final hit in sports like volleyball or tennis, often aimed downwards.
A soccer player kicking a ball powerfully towards a goal net.

Examples

El jugador anotó un remate imparable para ganar el punto.

The player scored an unstoppable spike to win the point.

Fue un remate de cabeza espectacular.

It was a spectacular header.

El portero detuvo el remate de Messi.

The goalkeeper stopped Messi's shot.

El equipo ganó gracias a un remate potente en el último minuto.

The team won thanks to a powerful shot in the last minute.

Action vs. Result

While 'rematar' is the action of shooting, 'el remate' is the actual shot itself.

Not just feet

Mistake: “Thinking 'remate' only refers to kicking a ball.”

Correction: It refers to any final strike toward a goal, including using your head or your hands in volleyball.

disparo

/dees-PAH-roh//disˈpaɾo/

nounB1figurative
Use 'disparo' to describe a sudden, sharp, and often dramatic increase in something, like prices, numbers, or even a literal gunshot.
A sudden, bright orange flash of light accompanied by a puff of white smoke, symbolizing the immediate action of a fired weapon.

Examples

Hubo un disparo repentino en el precio de las acciones.

There was a sudden spike in the stock price.

Se oyó un disparo en la distancia y todos se asustaron.

A shot was heard in the distance and everyone got scared.

El disparo de los precios del petróleo afectó la economía.

The spike in oil prices affected the economy.

Necesitamos practicar el tiro al blanco, ¿cuántos disparos quedan?

We need to practice target shooting, how many shots are left?

Gender Check

Since 'disparo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun and always uses 'el' (el disparo) or 'un' (un disparo).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'disparo' (the noun) when you mean the action of shooting (the infinitive verb 'disparar').”

Correction: Remember 'disparo' is the *result* or *act* (the shot), while 'disparar' is the *action* (to shoot).

Nail vs. Sharp Increase

The most common confusion is between 'clavo' (a physical nail) and 'disparo' (a figurative spike, like in prices). Remember that 'clavo' is concrete and physical, while 'disparo' refers to a sharp rise or fluctuation.

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