tápate la boca
/tapate la boka/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cover your mouth" is translated into Spanish as tápate la boca.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to place a hand or a cloth over their mouth, typically to prevent the spread of germs or to hide a cough or sneeze.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tápate la boca literally means "cover yourself the mouth". It is composed of the reflexive verb tapar (to cover), the reflexive pronoun te (yourself) and la boca (the mouth).
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people instead of an individual, use the plural imperative form tápense la boca.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying tápate tu boca. While English uses the possessive adjective "your", Spanish speakers refer to body parts using the definite article la instead of tu.
Did you know?
- The word boca shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'beak'. Both words stem from the idea of a prominent or projecting facial feature.
- While tápate la boca is for hygiene, the similar phrase cierra la boca is a blunt and often rude way to say 'shut up'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, cúbrase la boca al toser o estornudar para evitar la propagación de gérmenes.Please cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
- Si vas a estornudar, tápate la boca.If you are going to sneeze, cover your mouth.
- Si vas a toser, tápate la boca.If you are going to cough, cover your mouth.
- ¡Tápate la boca cuando estornudes!Cover your mouth when you sneeze!
Example conversation
Daniel is teaching Sofía about hygiene while they are at home.
- DanielSofía, tápate la boca si vas a estornudar.Sofía, cover your mouth if you are going to sneeze.
- SofíaLo siento, Daniel, se me olvidó.I'm sorry, Daniel, I forgot.
- DanielEs importante para no contagiar a los demás.It is important so as not to infect others.
- SofíaTienes razón, lo haré de ahora en adelante.You are right, I will do it from now on.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boca, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
