hacer gárgaras
/aθeɾ ɡaɾɡaɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'gargle' in Spanish is expressed as hacer gárgaras. Wiktionary also lists gargarizar.
Meaning: to clean one's mouth (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hacer gárgaras | /aθeɾ ɡaɾɡaɾas/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aseɾ ɡaɾɡaɾas/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| gargarizar | /ɡaɾɡaɾiθaɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /ɡaɾɡaɾisaɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
The term gárgaras is used to describe the act of gargling. To express the verb 'to gargle', you can use either hacer gárgaras or the single verb gargarizar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hacer gárgaras is literally composed of the verb hacer (to do/make) and the plural noun gárgaras (gargles).
Which one should you use?
While both hacer gárgaras and gargarizar mean to gargle, hacer gárgaras is the much more common way to express the action in everyday Spanish than the single verb gargarizar.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeɾ ɡaɾɡaɾas/
Did you know?
- The word gárgaras is an onomatopoeia, meaning the word itself is designed to mimic the actual sound produced while gargling.
- The verb hacer in the phrase hacer gárgaras shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'fact', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root for 'to do' or 'to make'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, 'hacer gárgaras' is a standard household remedy suggestion for a sore throat, often paired with saltwater.
Examples in context
- Después de la cirugía, el médico recomendó hacer gárgaras con un enjuague bucal especial para mantener la higiene oral.After the surgery, the doctor recommended gargling with a special mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.
- Si tienes dolor de garganta, te sugiero hacer buches con agua tibia y sal todas las mañanas.If you have a sore throat, I suggest gargling with warm saltwater every morning.
- Recuerda gargarizar con el enjuague bucal después del cepillado para mantener una buena higiene oral.Remember to gargle with mouthwash after brushing to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Después de cepillarte los dientes, realiza gárgaras con un enjuague bucal.After brushing your teeth, gargle with mouthwash.
- Debes hacer gárgaras con agua salada.You should gargle with salt water.
- Tengo que hacer gárgaras para aliviar mi garganta.I have to gargle to soothe my throat.
- Ella suele hacer gárgaras después de lavarse los dientes.She usually gargles after brushing her teeth.
Example conversation
Javier is feeling sick and María is giving him advice.
- María¿Te duele la garganta, Javier?Does your throat hurt, Javier?
- JavierSí, me duele un poco al tragar.Yes, it hurts a little when I swallow.
- MaríaPodrías hacer gárgaras con un poco de enjuague bucal.You could gargle with a little mouthwash.
- JavierEs una buena idea, gracias María.That is a good idea, thanks María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gargle” translations and entries gargarizar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
