raspar
/rasˈpaɾ/
The English verb 'scrape' is translated into Spanish as raspar.
raspar is used to describe the action of drawing an object along while exerting pressure. For more specific contexts, note that Escarificar is a verb used for surgical procedures, gardening or technical actions involving scraping or cutting into a surface, while Chirriar is a verb that reflects the onomatopoeic sound of scraping or squeaking.
Meaning: draw an object along while exerting pressure (verb)
Which one should you use?
While raspar means to scrape a surface, rasguñar is the more appropriate verb if you mean to 'scratch' a person or an animal's skin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle raspado can be used as an adjective to describe something that has been scraped.
How do you pronounce it?
/rasˈpaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, raspar is used as slang for failing an exam or 'bombing' a test.
- The verb raspar is also the name for a popular frozen dessert in many Latin American countries, similar to a 'snow cone' or 'shaved ice'.
- The word raspar comes from the Frankish word *hraspōn, meaning it entered Spanish via Germanic influence rather than directly from classical Latin.
Examples in context
- Ella sufrió una raspadura en la rodilla al caerse del patinete.She suffered a scrape on her knee after falling off the scooter.
- El médico recomendó escarificar la herida para promover una cicatrización más rápida.The doctor recommended scraping the wound to promote faster healing.
- Raspar la superficie con una lija.Scrape the surface with sandpaper.
- Hay que raspar la pintura vieja.You have to scrape off the old paint.
- No debes raspar la superficie con metal.You should not scrape the surface with metal.
- Ella va a raspar el fondo de la olla.She is going to scrape the bottom of the pot.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are cleaning a wooden table.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes raspar la madera para quitar la lija?Lucía, can you scrape the wood to remove the sandpaper residue?
- LucíaSí, pero no quiero raspar demasiado fuerte.Yes, but I don't want to scrape too hard.
- JavierEstá bien, solo raspa lo necesario.That's fine, just scrape as much as necessary.
- LucíaEntendido, lo haré con cuidado.Understood, I will do it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scrape” translations and entries raspar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries raspar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
