How to Say "to graze" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to graze” is “rozar” — use this word when something brushes against another object very lightly, often implying a near miss or slight contact, like a bullet passing close to skin.
Use this word when something brushes against another object very lightly, often implying a near miss or slight contact, like a bullet passing close to skin.
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This is used poetically or figuratively to describe a very light, almost affectionate touch, like a soft breeze or a gentle touch that barely makes contact.
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This translation is typically used for natural elements like water or wind gently touching a surface, creating a soft, sweeping motion, like waves on a shore.
Learn more →ro-SAR/ or /ro-THARroˈθar
Examples
La bala le rozó el brazo.
The bullet grazed his arm.
Siento que algo me rozó la pierna en el agua.
I feel like something brushed against my leg in the water.
Ten cuidado de no rozar el coche contra la pared.
Be careful not to rub the car against the wall.
The Z to C Spelling Swap
When a 'z' is followed by an 'e', it usually changes to a 'c' to keep the sound the same. This is why 'yo rozó' becomes 'yo rocé' in the past.
Describing Light Contact
Use 'rozar' when you want to emphasize that the touch was very light or barely happened, unlike 'tocar' which is more general.
Confusion with 'Rociar'
Mistake: “Using 'rozar' when you mean 'to spray'.”
Correction: Use 'rociar' for liquids and 'rozar' for physical touching.
beh-SARbeˈsaɾ
Examples
La bala solo logró besar su hombro.
The bullet only managed to graze his shoulder.
Las olas besaban suavemente la arena de la playa.
The waves gently kissed (brushed) the sand on the beach.
Figurative Use
This meaning extends the idea of a gentle 'kiss' to inanimate objects, suggesting a soft, momentary touch, often used in descriptive writing.
lah-MEHRlaˈmeɾ
Examples
Las olas lamen suavemente la orilla.
The waves lap gently against the shore.
El fuego empezó a lamer las paredes de la casa.
The fire began to lap against the walls of the house.
Poetic usage
In this sense, the word is usually used in the third person (lame/lamen) because it describes things like water, wind, or fire.
Rozar vs. Besar vs. Lamer
The most common mistake is using 'besar' or 'lamer' for physical contact like a bullet graze, where 'rozar' is the most direct and common translation. 'Besar' implies a softer, more poetic touch, and 'lamer' is usually reserved for natural elements like water.
Related Translations
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