balancín
/balanˈθin/masculine
The English word seesaw is balancín in Spanish.
balancín refers to a structure moving up and down, balanced in the middle.
Meaning: structure moving up and down, balanced in the middle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word balancín is derived from the verb balancear, meaning to sway or rock.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, sube y baja is the most common term for a seesaw.
How do you pronounce it?
/balanˈθin/
Did you know?
- The term balancín is also used in technical contexts to describe a 'nodding donkey', which is a pumpjack used in oil drilling.
- In Spain, the word balancín can also refer to a rocking chair or a small cradle.
- The word balancín can also be used in a mechanical context to describe a 'rocker arm' in an engine.
Examples in context
- Los niños se divierten en el balancín del parque.The children have fun on the seesaw in the park.
- Los pequeños disfrutan jugando en el sube y baja del patio.The little ones enjoy playing on the seesaw in the yard.
- El niño sube al balancín.The boy climbs onto the seesaw.
- El balancín está en el parque.The seesaw is in the park.
- No te caigas del balancín.Don't fall off the seesaw.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at a playground watching children play.
- Alejandro¿Viste a ese niño en el balancín?Did you see that boy on the seesaw?
- LucíaSí, es muy divertido.Yes, it is very fun.
- AlejandroÉl quiere usar el balancín ahora.He wants to use the seesaw now.
- LucíaVamos a jugar con él.Let's go play with him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seesaw” translations and entries balancín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
