How to Say "to glide" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to glide” is “deslizar” — use 'deslizar' when referring to a smooth, often controlled, movement across a surface, like sliding your finger on a screen or an object sliding on a table.
deslizar
des-lee-SAHRdesliˈθaɾ
Examples
El patinador se deslizó sobre el hielo con gracia.
The skater glided across the ice with grace.
Desliza el dedo por la pantalla para ver la foto.
Swipe your finger across the screen to see the photo.
Él deslizó la nota por debajo de la puerta.
He slid the note under the door.
El barco se desliza suavemente sobre el lago.
The boat glides smoothly over the lake.
The Z to C Swap
When the letter 'z' meets the letter 'e', it changes into a 'c'. This is why 'yo deslizo' (I slide) becomes 'yo deslicé' (I slid).
Self-Action
To say that YOU are the one sliding (like on ice), you often add 'se' to the end: 'deslizarse'.
Sliding vs. Slipping
Mistake: “Using 'deslizar' when you accidentally fall.”
Correction: Use 'resbalar' for accidental slips and 'deslizar' for controlled, smooth movements.
planear
plah-neh-AHRpla.neˈar
Examples
El avión planeó suavemente hasta la pista de aterrizaje.
The plane glided smoothly to the runway.
El águila planeaba sobre las montañas buscando comida.
The eagle was soaring over the mountains looking for food.
El avión apagó los motores y empezó a planear.
The plane turned off its engines and began to glide.
Aviation Meaning
This word is related to 'plano' (flat). Think of a bird keeping its wings flat and level to stay in the air without flapping.
Surface vs. Air Movement
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