Inklingo

How to Say "to shrink" in Spanish

English → Spanish

encoger

/en-ko-HER//enkoˈxer/

verbA2general
Use 'encoger' when referring to the physical shrinking of everyday objects, especially clothing, often due to washing or heat.
A large red sweater next to a much smaller version of the same red sweater, showing size reduction.

Examples

No laves ese suéter con agua caliente o se va a encoger.

Don't wash that sweater with hot water or it will shrink.

El algodón tiende a encoger un poco en la primera lavada.

Cotton tends to shrink a bit during the first wash.

He encogido mi camiseta favorita por error.

I have shrunk my favorite t-shirt by mistake.

The 'G' to 'J' Spelling Swap

When you use the 'I' (yo) form in the present, the 'g' changes to a 'j' (encojo) to keep the pronunciation sounding like a harsh 'h'. This also happens in the special forms used for commands and wishes.

Using 'Se' for Automatic Action

When a shirt shrinks 'by itself' (because of the heat), we often add 'se' to the verb: 'La ropa se encogió' (The clothes shrank).

Spelling Error with 'G'

Mistake: “Yo encogo la ropa.”

Correction: Yo encojo la ropa. (Use 'j' before 'o' to keep the correct sound).

contraer

/kon-tra-EHR//kon.tɾaˈeɾ/

verbB1general/technical
Use 'contraer' for a more technical or scientific reduction in size, such as materials contracting due to temperature changes or muscles contracting.
A close-up illustration of a muscular arm bending to show a tightened bicep muscle.

Examples

El frío hace que los metales se contraigan.

Cold makes metals contract.

Debes contraer los abdominales durante el ejercicio.

You should contract your abs during the exercise.

En español, 'a' y 'el' se deben contraer en 'al'.

In Spanish, 'a' and 'el' must be shortened into 'al'.

The 'Yo' Surprise

Just like the word 'traer' (to bring), this word adds a 'g' in the 'I' form of the present tense: 'yo contraigo'.

The 'J' in the Past

When talking about the past (the finished kind), the 'er' changes to a 'j' sound: 'yo contraje' instead of 'contraí'.

Don't say 'Contraí'

Mistake: “Yo contraí una deuda.”

Correction: Yo contraje una deuda. (This verb uses a special 'j' stem in the past tense.)

The Gerund 'Y'

Mistake: “está contraiendo”

Correction: está contrayendo. (When 'i' is between two vowels, it changes to 'y' in Spanish.)

Encoger vs. Contraer: Everyday vs. Technical

The most common mistake is using 'contraer' for everyday items like clothing. Remember that 'encoger' is the go-to for clothes shrinking in the wash, while 'contraer' is more for scientific or physical processes.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.