Inklingo

How to Say "to loosen" in Spanish

English → Spanish

relajar

reh-lah-HARre.laˈxaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'relajar' when you mean to make rules, restrictions, or a tense situation less strict or more relaxed.
A thick, heavy rope being untied and loosened by two hands.

Examples

Los médicos le recomendaron relajarse y tomarse un descanso.

The doctors recommended that he relax and take a break.

El gobierno decidió relajar las medidas de seguridad.

The government decided to loosen the security measures.

No podemos relajar la disciplina en este momento.

We cannot slacken the discipline at this moment.

Metaphorical use

When used with abstract things like 'discipline' or 'rules,' it means making them less intense or strict.

soltar

sohl-TAHRsolˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'soltar' when you mean to physically loosen something that is tight, such as a knot, a screw, or a grip.
A close-up of a hand gently pulling apart the strands of a thick rope, causing a previously tight knot to become loose and slack.

Examples

Por favor, suelta un poco el volante, lo estás apretando demasiado.

Please loosen the steering wheel a bit, you're gripping it too tightly.

Necesitas soltar la tuerca un poco para que encaje.

You need to loosen the nut a bit so it fits.

Cuando llueve mucho, la presa suelta el exceso de agua.

When it rains a lot, the dam discharges the excess water.

Relaxing Rules vs. Loosening Objects

Learners often confuse 'relajar' and 'soltar' by using 'relajar' for physical objects. Remember, 'relajar' is for making things less strict or tense, while 'soltar' is for physically loosening a tight object.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.