golpe duro
/ɡolpe duɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hard knock" is translated into Spanish as golpe duro.
This phrase is used to describe a strong or forceful physical blow directed at someone or something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of golpe, meaning blow or hit and duro, meaning hard or tough.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "hard knocks", you must change both the noun and the adjective to their plural forms: golpes duros.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡolpe duɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word golpe is a linguistic relative of the English word 'coup'. Both share an ancestor in the Ancient Greek word kólaphos, which meant a slap.
- In Spanish, the word golpe is used to describe a 'coup d'état' in the phrase golpe de estado. This usage connects the idea of a physical blow to a sudden, forceful seizure of political power.
- The word golpe can describe a variety of non-physical shocks, such as a sudden change in weather or a sharp increase in prices.
Examples in context
- Carlos ha estado teniendo una mala racha en los negocios.Carlos has been experiencing a hard knock in his business endeavors.
- Ana recibió un golpe duro cuando perdió su empleo.Ana suffered a hard knock when she lost her job.
- Después de perder su casa en un incendio, Juan ha vivido un trago amargo.After losing his house in a fire, Juan has had a hard knock.
- Recibió un golpe duro en el hombro.He received a hard knock on the shoulder.
- Recibió un golpe duro en el brazo.He received a hard knock on his arm.
- El boxeador dio un golpe duro.The boxer delivered a hard knock.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about a sports injury.
- Alejandro¿Cómo está tu brazo, Sofía?How is your arm, Sofía?
- SofíaMe dieron un golpe duro en el juego.I took a hard knock during the game.
- AlejandroEso suena muy doloroso.That sounds very painful.
- SofíaSí, pero ya me siento mejor.Yes, but I feel better now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duro, golpe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
