echar un pulso
/et͡ʃaɾ un pulso/from spelling rules
To arm wrestle in Spanish is echar un pulso.
The phrase is used to describe engaging in a contest of strength by pushing against an opponent's arm while gripping hands. In many Spanish-speaking regions, the noun pulso is also used colloquially on its own to refer to the act of arm wrestling.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'to throw a pulse'. In this context, pulso refers to the pulse or the physical grip and strength used during the contest, while the verb echar is used to mean 'to engage in' or 'to participate in' a match.
How do you pronounce it?
/etʃaɾ un pulso/
Did you know?
- While echar un pulso describes the physical act, the word pulso is also used in Spanish to describe a psychological struggle or a power play between two people.
- The verb echar used here is a linguistic relative of the English words 'jet' and 'jut', as both trace back to the same ancient roots meaning to cast or throw.
- The verb echar is used in many casual idioms to mean 'doing' or 'taking' something, such as echar una siesta for taking a nap.
Examples in context
- ¿Quieres echar un pulso?Do you want to arm wrestle?
- Vamos a echar un pulso.Let's arm wrestle.
- ¿Quieres echar un pulso conmigo?Do you want to arm wrestle with me?
- Él ganó al echar un pulso.He won the arm wrestle.
Example conversation
Two friends are hanging out in a park.
- SofíaMateo, ¿quieres echar un pulso?Mateo, do you want to arm wrestle?
- Mateo¡Claro! Estoy listo para ganar.Sure! I am ready to win.
- SofíaA ver si puedes conmigo.Let's see if you can beat me.
- MateoPrepárate, Sofía, porque voy a ganar.Get ready, Sofía, because I am going to win.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries echar, pulso, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
