How to Say "to fold" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to fold” is “doblar” — use 'doblar' when referring to folding physical items such as paper, clothes, or blankets.
doblar
doh-BLAHRdoˈblaɾ
Examples
Tengo que doblar la ropa limpia.
I have to fold the clean clothes.
No dobles la esquina de la página.
Don't fold the corner of the page.
Él puede doblar una barra de hierro con sus manos.
He can bend an iron bar with his hands.
Using it with 'la ropa'
Unlike English where you 'do the laundry,' in Spanish you specifically use 'doblar' when you want to describe the action of folding it up after it's dry.
Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive
Use 'doblar' for something you fold, and 'doblarse' when something bends on its own or is flexible, like 'El plástico se dobla' (The plastic bends).
Folding vs. Closing
Mistake: “No dobles el libro.”
Correction: No cierres el libro (unless you are literally folding the pages).
cruzar
kroo-SAHRkɾuˈsaɾ
Examples
Ella cruza los brazos cuando está molesta.
She crosses her arms when she is annoyed.
Las dos líneas cruzan exactamente en el centro.
The two lines cross exactly in the center.
No cruces las piernas si llevas falda.
Don't cross your legs if you are wearing a skirt.
Using the Reflexive for Exchange
When people exchange something (like glances or words), we often use the reflexive form cruzarse: 'Nos cruzamos unas palabras' (We exchanged a few words).
Doblar vs. Cruzar Arms
Related Translations
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