sécalo
/sekalo/from spelling rules
To say "dry it" in Spanish, use sécalo.
Use sécala when the object being dried is a feminine singular noun, such as camisa. Use sécalos when the object is a masculine plural noun, such as pantalones.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the imperative form of secar (to dry) and the object pronoun lo (it/him).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the object being dried is a feminine noun, the pronoun changes from lo to la.
How do you pronounce it?
/sekalo/
Did you know?
- The word secar is related to the adjective seco, which is also used idiomatically to describe someone who is curt or unfriendly in conversation.
- The word seco is used in the phrase a secas, which means 'plain' or 'without any accompaniment', such as drinking a glass of water 'a secas'.
- The command sécalo can sound quite blunt or aggressive in Spanish-speaking cultures if not softened with a 'por favor', as direct imperatives are often perceived as very forceful.
Examples in context
- Como parte del proceso, le solicito que lo seque por un mínimo de 24 horas.As part of the process, I kindly request that you dry it for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Si lo prefieres, puedes secarlo a máquina.If you prefer, you can dry it in the machine.
- Si el juguete está mojado, sécalo con un paño.If the toy is wet, dry it with a cloth.
- Ese dibujo se va a arruinar, sécalo rápido.That drawing is going to be ruined, dry it quickly.
- Toma el peine mojado y sécalo bien.Take the wet comb and dry it well.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are cleaning the kitchen.
- AlejandroLucía, lavaste el vaso, ahora sécalo.Lucía, you washed the glass, now dry it.
- LucíaSí, lo haré ahora mismo.Yes, I will do it right now.
- AlejandroGracias, ponlo en el estante.Thanks, put it on the shelf.
- LucíaYa está seco y guardado.It is already dry and stored.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
