abrazo
/aˈbɾaθo/masculine
The Spanish word for "hug" is abrazo. Wiktionary also lists apapacho and apapuche.
Meaning: affectionate embrace (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abrazo | /aˈbɾaθo/ /aˈbɾaso/ |
masculine |
| apapacho | /apaˈpat͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| apapuche | /apaput͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A abrazo is a physical, affectionate embrace. You can use the expression abrazo fuerte to emphasize the intensity or strength of the hug. Additionally, in written correspondence like letters or emails, un abrazo is a common, warm and informal way to sign off, similar to saying "warmly" or "best wishes" in English.
Which one should you use?
While abrazo is the standard word for a physical hug, apapacho implies a more tender, soulful or nurturing embrace.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Apapacho is a term frequently used in Mexico to describe a hug that is particularly affectionate or comforting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Abrazo is a masculine noun. Its plural form is abrazos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbɾaθo/
Did you know?
- The word apapacho comes from the Nahuatl language, and its original meaning was 'to wrap someone in a cloth' or 'to caress with the soul'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a greeting often includes dos besos (two kisses) on the cheeks, which may accompany or replace a physical abrazo.
- While abrazo is a physical hug, in some contexts it can refer to a 'squeeze' or a 'clutch', and the verb abrazar can even be used to describe a tree that is entwined by a vine.
Examples in context
- ¿Te doy un abrazo?You want a hug?This sentence is useful for offering an abrazo.Tatoeba #10796633 by saverius, translation #10801490 by DJ_Saidez
- Dame un fuerte abrazo.Give me a big hug.This sentence is useful for requesting an abrazo.Tatoeba #6961427 by diegohn, translation #6474337 by OsoHombre
- Déjame darte un abrazo.Let me give you a hug.This sentence is useful for asking for permission to give an abrazo.Tatoeba #2504142 by marcelostockle, translation #1844213 by CK
- Gustavo se despidió de su colega con un cálido abrazo.Gustavo said goodbye to his colleague with a warm hug.
- Enviamos nuestro más sentido pésame y te mandamos un abrazo fuerte en estos momentos difíciles.We send our deepest condolences and give you a big hug in these difficult times.
- Al ver a su hermana después de tanto tiempo, le dio un abrazo cariñoso.Upon seeing her sister after such a long time, she gave her an affectionate hug.
- ¡Me encanta verte, amigo! Ven aquí y dame un abrazote.I love seeing you, buddy! Come here and give me a big hug.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are saying goodbye at the airport.
- SofíaFue un viaje muy largo.It was a very long trip.
- JavierSí, te voy a dar un abrazo.Yes, I am going to give you a hug.
- SofíaGracias por el abrazo, Javier.Thanks for the hug, Javier.
- JavierBuen viaje, Sofía.Have a good trip, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations and entries abrazo, apapacho, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
