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How to Say "trigger" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gatillo

gah-TEE-yoɡaˈtiʝo

nounA2general
Use 'gatillo' when referring to the physical part of a gun or a similar mechanical device that you pull to activate it.
A close-up view of a metallic, curved lever trigger mechanism, designed to be pulled by a finger.

Examples

No pongas el dedo en el gatillo a menos que vayas a disparar.

Don't put your finger on the trigger unless you are going to shoot.

El gatillo de esta pistola de agua está roto.

The trigger on this water gun is broken.

Hay que apretar el gatillo de la bomba para que salga el jabón.

You have to squeeze the pump's lever for the soap to come out.

Gender Rule

Even though 'gatillo' ends in '-o', remember it is a masculine noun ('el gatillo').

dispare

dees-PAH-rehdisˈpa.ɾe

verbB1general
Use 'disparar' (in its various conjugations like 'dispare') when you mean to cause an event or reaction to start, similar to initiating an alarm or a process.
A finger pressing a large red button, which immediately causes a clear chain reaction, like a row of dominoes starting to fall.

Examples

El sensor requiere que alguien dispare la alarma manualmente.

The sensor requires someone to trigger the alarm manually.

Espero que este comentario no dispare una pelea.

I hope this comment doesn't set off a fight.

Subjunctive for Intent

This meaning often appears after verbs expressing necessity or intent, requiring the 'dispare' form: 'Necesitamos que el cambio dispare la economía' (We need the change to trigger the economy).

detonador

deh-toh-nah-DOHRdetonaˈðoɾ

nounC1formal
Use 'detonador' to describe an event or factor that initiates a larger process or chain of events, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.
A single falling domino starting a long chain reaction of many other standing dominoes.

Examples

Ese pequeño incidente fue el detonador de la huelga general.

That small incident was the trigger for the general strike.

Sus palabras actuaron como un detonador para la discusión familiar.

His words acted as a spark for the family argument.

La crisis económica fue el principal detonador de las protestas.

The economic crisis was the main catalyst for the protests.

Abstract Nouns

Even when used metaphorically for ideas or events, the word remains masculine: 'el detonador'.

Confusing with 'Causa'

Mistake: “Thinking 'detonador' and 'causa' are exactly the same.”

Correction: While 'causa' is the general reason, 'detonador' is the specific event that makes the explosion happen right now (the 'last straw').

Physical vs. Event Triggers

Learners often confuse 'gatillo' with 'detonador' or 'disparar'. Remember, 'gatillo' is strictly for the physical trigger of a gun or mechanism. 'Detonador' refers to the event that starts something, while 'disparar' is the verb for causing that event to happen.

Related Translations

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