mecerse
/meθeɾse/from spelling rules
To rock back and forth in Spanish is mecerse.
Which one should you use?
Use the non-reflexive form mecer if you are rocking an object, like a cradle or a baby, rather than rocking yourself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mecerse is reflexive, meaning the action is performed on oneself.
How do you pronounce it?
/meθeɾse/
Did you know?
- The concept of 'rocking' in Spanish is strictly about a pendulum-like or rhythmic motion, whereas 'to rock' as in 'to be cool' has no equivalent using this verb.
- The verb mecer can also be used metaphorically to describe the movement of a boat on the waves, referring to the 'cradle' of the ocean.
- While mecer describes the physical act of rocking, the word arrullar is often used when rocking a baby to sleep because it specifically means to soothe someone with a rhythmic sound or song.
Examples in context
- El presidente se mece de un lado a otro durante la reunión.The president rocks back and forth during the meeting
- ¿Te gusta mecerte de aquí para allá en la hamaca?Do you enjoy rocking back and forth in the hammock?
- El bebé se balancea de adelante hacia atrás para calmarse.The baby rocks back and forth to soothe himself.
- El bebé se mece en la cuna.The baby rocks back and forth in the crib.
- El bebé empezó a mecerse suavemente.The baby started to rock back and forth gently.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are looking at a rocking chair in a furniture store.
- SofíaMira esta silla, es perfecta para mecerse.Look at this chair, it's perfect for rocking back and forth.
- JavierTienes razón, parece muy cómoda.You're right, it looks very comfortable.
- SofíaMe imagino leer un libro aquí.I imagine reading a book here.
- JavierEntonces, vamos a comprarla ahora.Then, let's buy it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mecerse, 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.
