How to Say "to pull" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to pull” is “jalar” — use 'jalar' for the most general, everyday physical action of moving something towards yourself, often by hand..
jalar
/hah-LAHR//xaˈlaɾ/
Examples
Jala la puerta para abrirla.
Pull the door to open it.
El niño jaló el juguete de las manos de su hermano.
The boy pulled the toy from his brother's hands.
No jales tanto la cuerda o se va a romper.
Don't pull the rope so much or it's going to break.
Jalar vs. Tirar
In many Latin American countries, 'jalar' is the standard word for pulling. In Spain, 'tirar' is much more common for this physical action.
Confusing Pull and Push
Mistake: “Using 'empujar' when you want someone to bring the door toward them.”
Correction: Use 'jalar' for 'pull' and 'empujar' for 'push'. A common memory trick: 'Pull' has two 'L's like 'jalar' (if you stretch your imagination!), and 'Push' is the other one.
halar
/ah-LAHR//aˈlaɾ/
Examples
Hala la cuerda con fuerza.
Pull the rope hard.
Para abrir esta puerta, tienes que halar, no empujar.
To open this door, you have to pull, not push.
Los pescadores halan las redes llenas de peces.
The fishermen haul in the nets full of fish.
The Silent H
Just like 'hola' or 'hablar,' the 'H' in 'halar' is completely silent. Start the sound with the 'a' like 'ah-LAHR'.
Halar vs. Tirar
While both mean 'to pull,' 'halar' is often preferred for mechanical or maritime contexts (like pulling a boat), while 'tirar' is the everyday word in Spain.
Confusing Halar and Empujar
Mistake: “I always push when the sign says 'hala'.”
Correction: Remember: 'Halar' sounds like 'Haul' (pull), while 'Empujar' is like 'to Push' (both start with a P sound internally).
estirar
/es-tee-RAHR//estiˈɾaɾ/
Examples
Es importante estirar después de hacer ejercicio.
It is important to stretch after exercising.
Estira bien el mantel para que no se vean las arrugas.
Smooth the tablecloth out well so the wrinkles don't show.
El perro se estiró después de su siesta.
The dog stretched (himself) after his nap.
Using 'se' to stretch yourself
If you are the one stretching (like in the morning), you often add 'se' to the end (estirarse). This shows the action is happening to you.
A perfectly regular verb
This verb is great for beginners because it follows the standard '-ar' pattern exactly. No hidden spelling surprises!
Stretching vs. Growing
Mistake: “El niño estiró mucho este año.”
Correction: El niño dio un estirón este año. Use 'dar un estirón' for physical growth spurts.
Jalar vs. Halar
Related Translations
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