echarse atrás
/eˌt͡ʃaɾse aˈtɾas/
The English phrase recoil can be translated into Spanish as echarse atrás. If unsure, use echarse atrás. Wiktionary also lists recular and recejar.
Meaning: to pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| echarse atrás | /eˌt͡ʃaɾse aˈtɾas/ |
| recular | /rekuˈlaɾ/ |
| recejar | /reθexaɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /resexaɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
The verb echarse atrás is used to describe the act of pulling back, particularly due to feelings of disgust, horror or astonishment. You can also use the expression Dar un respingo to describe a sudden recoil or jolt, often from surprise or fear or Dar un salto hacia atrás to convey the idea of recoiling by jumping backward. When you need to describe the physical recoil or pushback from a fired firearm, the standard technical noun is retroceso. Other related nouns for this type of recoil include culatazo and coz.
Which one should you use?
While echarse atrás captures the emotional or reactive pull-back, recular often implies a more physical, mechanical or literal movement backward, such as a vehicle or a person stepping back.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/eˌtʃaɾse aˈtɾas/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, saying someone is reculando can be a harsh insult implying they are a coward who is fleeing a fight.
- The word atrás originates from the Vulgar Latin ad trans, meaning 'beyond'.
- If you want to say someone 'recoiled' from a commitment or a deal, you can use echarse atrás, which literally translates to 'to throw oneself back'.
Examples in context
- El arma disparó y retrocedió violentamente en sus manosThe weapon fired and recoiled violently in his hands
- Cuando vio la araña, se echó atrás asustadoWhen he saw the spider, he recoiled in fear
- El estruendo del trueno le hizo dar un respingoThe thunderclap made him recoil suddenly
- El ruido repentino me hizo dar un salto hacia atrásThe sudden noise made me recoil by jumping backward
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recoil” translations and entries echarse atrás, recular, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atrás, CC BY-SA 4.0.
