desmalezar
/desmaleˈθaɾ/
To pull weeds in Spanish is to desmalezar.
The term desmalezar means to weed or to remove weeds. While it specifically refers to the removal of weeds, it can also imply the more general action of clearing out brush or scrubland.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb desmalezar is formed from the prefix des-, which indicates undoing or removal and maleza, meaning weeds or undergrowth.
Which one should you use?
While desmalezar is a standard term, you can also use arrancar la maleza to specifically emphasize the physical act of pulling or tearing the weeds out.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, an alternative way to express this is jalar las malas hierbas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle desmalezado can be used as an adjective to describe a garden that has been weeded.
How do you pronounce it?
/desmaleˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word maleza shares a root with the English word 'malice', as both stem from the Latin 'malus' meaning 'bad'.
- If you are working in a very overgrown area, you might use the verb desbrozar instead of desmalezar.
- While desmalezar is understood everywhere, speakers in Mexico and Central America are more likely to use the verb jalar for pulling, whereas Spaniards prefer arrancar.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿me podría indicar cómo arrancar las malas hierbas correctamente?Excuse me, could you please tell me how to pull weeds correctly?
- ¡Oye! ¿Sabes cómo sacar las hierbas malas sin dañar las flores?Hey! Do you know how to pull weeds without damaging the flowers?
- Tengo que desmalezar el jardín hoy.I have to pull weeds in the garden today.
- Él va a desmalezar el huerto mañana.He is going to pull weeds in the vegetable garden tomorrow.
- Es necesario desmalezar para que las flores crezcan.It is necessary to pull weeds so the flowers can grow.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking about garden chores.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿puedes ayudarme a desmalezar el patio?Daniel, can you help me pull weeds in the patio?
- DanielClaro, María. ¿Dónde están las herramientas?Sure, María. Where are the tools?
- MaríaEstán junto a la puerta trasera.They are next to the back door.
- DanielPerfecto, voy ahora mismo.Perfect, I'm going right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desmalezar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desmalezar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
