Inklingo

How to Say "to slide" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deslizar

des-lee-SAHRdesliˈθaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'deslizar' when you want to describe the action of moving something smoothly across a surface, like swiping on a screen or sliding a drawer.
A child sliding down a smooth, colorful playground slide.

Examples

Desliza el dedo por la pantalla para ver la foto.

Swipe your finger across the screen to see the photo.

Él deslizó la nota por debajo de la puerta.

He slid the note under the door.

El barco se desliza suavemente sobre el lago.

The boat glides smoothly over the lake.

The Z to C Swap

When the letter 'z' meets the letter 'e', it changes into a 'c'. This is why 'yo deslizo' (I slide) becomes 'yo deslicé' (I slid).

Self-Action

To say that YOU are the one sliding (like on ice), you often add 'se' to the end: 'deslizarse'.

Sliding vs. Slipping

Mistake: “Using 'deslizar' when you accidentally fall.”

Correction: Use 'resbalar' for accidental slips and 'deslizar' for controlled, smooth movements.

resbalar

rre-sba-larresβaˈlaɾ

verbA2general
Choose 'resbalar' when referring to the unintentional, smooth movement of a person or object over a slippery surface, often resulting in a loss of balance.
A person slipping on a banana peel on a shiny floor.

Examples

Ten cuidado, puedes resbalar en el suelo mojado.

Be careful, you might slip on the wet floor.

El coche resbaló sobre el hielo.

The car slid over the ice.

Se me resbaló el plato de las manos.

The plate slipped out of my hands.

Adding the 'se' for people

When a person slips, we often add 'se' to the verb (resbalarse). It highlights that the action happened to the person accidentally: 'Me resbalé' (I slipped).

Things vs. People

Use plain 'resbalar' when talking about objects or surfaces being slippery, but 'resbalarse' when a person loses their footing.

Using 'deslizar' for accidents

Mistake: “Me deslicé en el baño.”

Correction: Me resbalé en el baño. 'Deslizar' usually implies a smooth, intentional slide, while 'resbalar' is usually an accident.

correr

koh-REHRkoˈrer

verbB1general
Use 'correr' specifically when talking about moving an object like a door, curtain, or bolt horizontally to open or close something.
A hand gently pulling a bright red curtain to the side, opening the window view.

Examples

Por favor, corre las cortinas antes de que entre el sol.

Please, draw the curtains before the sun comes in.

Olvidaste correr el pestillo de la puerta.

You forgot to slide the bolt on the door.

Mi jefe me pidió correr con los gastos del viaje.

My boss asked me to be responsible for (cover) the travel expenses.

Transitive Use

In this meaning, 'correr' acts directly on an object (the curtains, the bolt). It means you are causing the object to move or slide.

Sliding vs. Slipping

The most common confusion is between 'deslizar' and 'resbalar'. Remember, 'deslizar' is usually intentional movement (like sliding a phone screen), while 'resbalar' implies an accidental slip, often on a wet surface.

Related Translations

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