golpe
/ˈɡolpe/
The English word 'bump' translates to Spanish as golpe.
golpe refers to a light blow or jolting collision. To express the action of striking something or receiving a bump, you can use the phrase dar un golpe.
Meaning: a light blow or jolting collision (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term tope can be used to describe a bump or collision, particularly when referring to speed bumps on the road.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun golpe is masculine and is typically used with the indefinite article un when referring to a single instance of a bump or hit.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡolpe/
Did you know?
- The word golpe is related to the ancient gladiators known as 'colaphatores'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a golpe de calor refers to heatstroke, treating the extreme temperature as a physical blow to the body.
- In Spanish, you can use de golpe to mean 'suddenly' or 'all at once'.
Examples in context
- Se dio un golpe en la frente y le salió un chichón.He was hit on the forehead and got a bump.This sentence is useful for showing how to use golpe when someone is hit on the forehead.Tatoeba #10154198 by saverius, translation #11243497 by Luornu
- El vehículo blanco sufrió un choque leve con el auto rojo.The white vehicle had a minor collision with the red car.
- El futbolista sufrió un golpe en la cabeza durante el partido.The soccer player suffered a bump on the head during the match.
- ¡Ay! Me di un chichón con la puerta al salir de casa.Ouch! I bumped my head on the door when leaving the house.
- El niño sufrió un topetazo cuando tropezó y cayó en el suelo.The child experienced a bump when he tripped and fell on the floor.
- El coche recibió un golpe contra el muro.The car received a bump against the wall.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are moving furniture in their living room.
- Javier¿Escuchaste ese golpe en la mesa?Did you hear that bump on the table?
- SofíaSí, creo que la golpeamos con la silla.Yes, I think we bumped it with the chair.
- JavierNo parece que la mesa tenga un golpe grave.It doesn't look like the table has a serious bump.
- SofíaMenos mal, Javier, estaba muy preocupada.Thank goodness, Javier, I was very worried.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry golpe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries golpe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
