Inklingo

How to Say "to strike" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pegar

/peh-GAR//peˈɣaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'pegar' when referring to the act of hitting something or someone, often with a sense of force or violence, and it is the most basic and common translation for 'to hit'.
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' for the action of hitting something, especially in sports or when describing a forceful impact, often with an object.
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' when the impact is accidental or when referring to the result of hitting something, often implying a collision or unintended contact.
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.

Choosing between 'pegar', 'golpear', and 'darle'

Learners often confuse 'pegar' and 'golpear' as they both mean 'to hit'. Use 'pegar' for general hitting, especially when it's a direct action on a person or object. 'Golpear' is often used for hitting with an object or in sports. 'Darle' is best for accidental impacts or collisions.

Related Translations

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