abrir jalando
/abɾiɾ xalando/from spelling rules
To pull open in Spanish is abrir jalando.
This phrase is used to describe the action of opening something by pulling it toward yourself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb abrir (to open) and the gerund jalando (pulling).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you might encounter the specific instruction Tira del tirador para abrirlo, which means 'pull the handle to open it.'
How does it change in a sentence?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, you can use tirando as a synonym for jalando to express the action of pulling, resulting in the phrase abrir tirando.
Did you know?
- The word 'tirador', often used to refer to a 'pull handle' in the context of opening things, is also the Spanish word for a 'sniper' in certain contexts.
- In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, the word 'tirar' can mean both 'to pull' and 'to throw', so context is vital to avoid appearing as though you are 'throwing open' a door.
- In some contexts, jalar can mean to 'come along' or 'join in' an activity. For example, asking someone to jalar to a party has nothing to do with pulling a door open.
Examples in context
- Tira de la puertaPull the door
- Por favor, tire hacia afuera para abrir la caja.Please pull outward to open the box.
- Jala el cajón para abrirlo.Pull the drawer to open it.
- Tira del mango para abrir la puerta.Pull the handle to open the door.
- Tira para abrir.Pull to open.
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping Elena with a stuck window.
- AlejandroNo se mueve, ¿cómo se hace?It is not moving, how do you do it?
- ElenaDebes abrir jalando la manija hacia ti.You must pull the handle open toward you.
- Alejandro¡Ah, ya abrió!Oh, it opened now!
- ElenaSí, solo era abrir jalando.Yes, it was just a matter of pulling it open.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
