chocando
/t͡ʃokando/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for "bumping" is chocando.
chocando is used to describe the act of hitting or colliding with another person or object. When you are describing a collision specifically against a surface, such as a wall, it is frequent to use the phrase chocando contra (bumping against/hitting against).
Which one should you use?
While chocando describes the act of bumping, the verb colisionar is used for more forceful or serious collisions, often in technical or legal contexts. Additionally, tropezar can be used in formal situations to describe stumbling or tripping, which may result in unintentionally bumping into someone or something.
How does it change in a sentence?
chocando is the gerund, or present participle, of the verb chocar.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃokando/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American contexts, chocar is used colloquially to describe a person who is 'annoying' or 'obnoxious', essentially saying they 'collide' with your patience.
- The word chocar is used in Spanish to describe a 'clashing' of colors or styles in fashion, where two elements 'bump' unpleasantly.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the verb chocar can also mean 'to be surprised' or 'to be shocked' in a psychological sense, rather than just a physical collision.
Examples in context
- El sistema de guiado del robot se ha vuelto loco. Sigue chocando contra las paredes.The robot's guidance system has gone haywire. It keeps bumping into walls.This sentence shows how to use chocando when describing an object hitting a surface.Tatoeba #6075891 by albrusgher, translation #637204 by darinmex
- Perdón, choqué contra la puerta por accidente.Sorry, I bumped into the door accidentally.
- El niño tropezó y se golpeó con la mesa.The child stumbled and bumped into the table.
- Me di un golpe en la esquina de la mesa.I bumped into the edge of the table.
- ¡Oops! Me topé con la puerta al salir.Oops! I bumped into the door while leaving.
- El juguete se rompió por ir chocando contra el suelo.The toy broke from bumping against the floor.
Example conversation
Javier and María are walking through a crowded market.
- JavierPerdona, María, sigo chocando contigo.Sorry, María, I keep bumping into you.
- MaríaEs que hay demasiada gente aquí.It's just that there are too many people here.
- JavierTengo que caminar con más cuidado.I have to walk more carefully.
- MaríaSí, o nos perderemos entre la multitud.Yes, or we'll get lost in the crowd.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
