un disparo
/un dispaɾo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "a shot" is translated as un disparo.
The phrase un disparo refers specifically to the act of firing a gun or the projectile fired from a weapon. Do not use un disparo when talking about a photographic shot. In those cases, speakers more commonly use una toma or una foto.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun disparo comes from the verb disparar, which means "to shoot".
Which one should you use?
Use un disparo when referring to the act of firing or the sound of a shot. If you are referring specifically to a single bullet, use una bala instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the informal term chupito is used for a small alcoholic drink or shot. In Latin American countries, the informal term trago is frequently used to refer to a drink, a sip or a shot.
How do you pronounce it?
/un dispaɾo/
Did you know?
- While un disparo refers to a gunshot, the verb disparar is also used colloquially in some regions to mean 'to trigger' or 'to start' a sudden reaction.
- In a legal or forensic investigation, Spanish speakers distinguish between un disparo, the act of firing, and un impacto, the physical mark left on a surface.
- The word disparo is a deverbal noun, which means it was formed directly from the action of the verb disparar.
Examples in context
- Un disparo sonó.A shot rang out.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of un disparo to describe a sound.Tatoeba #1172266 by erjabi, translation #266616 by CM
- Necesito una inyecciónI need a shot
- ¿Dónde puedo recibir la vacuna contra la gripe?Where can I get the flu shot?
- Nos tomamos unos chupitos de tequilaWe're having some tequila shots
- En el bar, pedimos unos chupitos de ronAt the bar, we ordered some rum shots
- Escuché un disparo en la calle.I heard a shot in the street.
- El guardia hizo un disparo al aire.The guard fired a shot into the air.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking in their living room after hearing a noise outside.
- Alejandro¿Qué fue ese ruido, Elena?What was that noise, Elena?
- ElenaCreo que fue un disparo.I think it was a shot.
- Alejandro¡Qué miedo! Debemos llamar a la policía.How scary! We should call the police.
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, yo lo haré ahora mismo.Yes, Alejandro, I will do it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
