Inklingo

How to Say "to hit" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to hit” is “pegar” — use 'pegar' for general physical contact or striking, especially when describing hitting someone or something, even playfully or accidentally. It's the most basic and widely applicable term..

English → Spanish

pegar

/peh-GAR//peˈɣaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'pegar' for general physical contact or striking, especially when describing hitting someone or something, even playfully or accidentally. It's the most basic and widely applicable term.
A cartoon child wearing boxing gloves lightly hitting a red punching bag.

Examples

El niño no quería pegar a su hermano.

The boy didn't want to hit his brother.

El boxeador pegó un golpe limpio al oponente.

The boxer landed a clean punch on the opponent.

Si le pegas a la puerta, se va a romper.

If you hit the door, it's going to break.

Spelling Tweak (G to GU)

When the 'g' sound needs to come before an 'e', 'pegar' changes to 'pegu-' (like in the past tense 'yo' form: 'yo pegué') so the sound stays strong, like in 'gato'.

golpear

/gol-pe-ar//ɡolpeˈaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'golpear' when the action involves a more forceful blow or striking, often with an object or in a context where impact is the main focus, like hitting a ball or striking a surface.
A close-up view of a hand holding a drumstick striking the surface of a vibrant, colorful drum.

Examples

Tienes que golpear la pelota con fuerza para que cruce la red.

You have to hit the ball hard so it crosses the net.

Alguien está golpeando la puerta, ¿puedes abrir?

Someone is knocking on the door, can you open it?

El viento fuerte golpeaba las ventanas toda la noche.

The strong wind was striking the windows all night.

Direct Action Verb

Golpear is a transitive verb, meaning it needs a direct object (the thing receiving the action). For example: 'Golpeó el clavo' (He hit the nail).

Confusing 'Golpear' and 'Tocar'

Mistake: “Using 'tocar' when referring to a forceful impact ('Tocar la mesa').”

Correction: Use 'golpear' for forceful hitting or striking, and 'tocar' for light touching or playing an instrument. 'Golpea la mesa' (He hits the table).

darle

/DAR-leh//ˈdaɾle/

verbB1general
Use 'darle' specifically when the 'hit' is accidental or results in contact, often implying a glancing blow or bumping into something. It emphasizes the result of contact rather than the force of the action.
A close-up of a shoe making forceful contact with a striped soccer ball on a green field.

Examples

Ten cuidado, vas a darle a la lámpara con la cabeza.

Be careful, you're going to hit the lamp with your head.

El niño le dio una patada a la pelota con todas sus fuerzas.

The boy kicked the ball with all his might.

La rama le dio en el brazo cuando caminaba por el bosque.

The branch hit him on the arm when he was walking through the forest.

Pegar vs. Golpear vs. Darle

Learners often confuse 'pegar' and 'golpear'. Remember that 'pegar' is the most general term for hitting or striking, suitable for most everyday situations. 'Golpear' implies more force or a deliberate blow, while 'darle' is often used for accidental contact or bumping into something.

Related Translations

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