vacilar
/baθiˈlaɾ/
The English verb hesitate is translated into Spanish as vacilar. Wiktionary also lists hesitar and titubear.
Meaning: to stop or pause respecting decision or action (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| vacilar | /baθiˈlaɾ/ /basiˈlaɾ/ |
| hesitar | /esiˈtaɾ/ |
| titubear | /titubeˈaɾ/ |
These verbs describe stopping or pausing regarding a decision or an action.
Which one should you use?
titubear specifically emphasizes a lack of confidence or a physical/vocal faltering, such as when someone hesitates while speaking.
How do you pronounce it?
/baθiˈlaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
While hesitar appears in some dictionaries, it is extremely rare and often sounds like an unnecessary anglicism compared to vacilar or titubear.
Did you know?
- While vacilar means to hesitate, it is also very commonly used as slang in Spain to mean 'to tease' or 'to joke around' with someone.
- In some regions, vacilar can also mean 'to enjoy' or 'to get a kick out of' something, such as a great movie or a party.
- The word titubear shares a root with the Latin word for staggering or stumbling physically, not just mentally.
Examples in context
- No vacile en contactarnos si necesita alguna información adicional.Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.
- El orador titubeó antes de responder a la pregunta difícil.The speaker hesitated before answering the challenging question.
- No dudé en aceptar la oferta de trabajo.I did not hesitate to accept the job offer.
- No titubees en pedir ayuda si la necesitas.Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
- No titubies en decir lo que piensas.Don't hesitate to say what you think.
- No debes vacilar al tomar una decisión.You shouldn't hesitate when making a decision.
- Él empezó a vacilar ante la propuesta.He began to hesitate regarding the proposal.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a job offer.
- AlejandroTengo una oferta de trabajo, pero voy a vacilar.I have a job offer, but I am going to hesitate.
- Elena¿Por qué vacilas, Alejandro?Why are you hesitating, Alejandro?
- AlejandroNo estoy seguro de mudarme a otra ciudad.I am not sure about moving to another city.
- ElenaPiensa bien, pero no tardes mucho.Think it over, but don't take too long.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hesitate” translations and entries vacilar, hesitar, titubear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hesitar, titubear, vacilar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
