encoger
/enkoˈxeɾ/
In Spanish, the verb 'shrink' is translated as encoger.
As a verb, encoger means to contract or to become smaller. When referring to a person, such as a psychiatrist, the term 'shrink' can be translated using various nouns depending on the level of respect or formality intended.
Meaning: intransitive: to contract, to become smaller (verb)
Which one should you use?
While encoger means to contract, the reflexive form encogerse is more commonly used when describing something, such as clothing, shrinking in size.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are referring to a mental health professional, you should use formal terms like psiquiatra, terapeuta or the phrase profesional de la salud mental. In contrast, loquero is an informal and often derogatory way to refer to a psychiatrist, similar to the English slang 'shrink'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite form (shrank) is encogió, and the past participle (shrunk) is encogido.
How do you pronounce it?
/enkoˈxeɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses encogerse de hombros to describe the physical act of shrugging one's shoulders.
- In some Latin American countries, the root verb coger is a vulgar slang term for sexual intercourse, though encoger remains a safe and standard word for shrinking.
- While encoger means 'to shrink', the reflexive encogerse is also used to describe a person cowering or shrinking back in fear or shame.
Examples in context
- Esa tela va a encoger si se lava.That material's going to shrink if it's washed.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use encoger when talking about fabric shrinking.Tatoeba #2267870 by cueyayotl, translation #2267869 by _undertoad
- Ese suéter se puede encoger en la lavadora.That sweater might shrink in the washing machine.
- Los músculos suelen encoger con el frío.Muscles tend to shrink with the cold.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are looking at a new wool shirt.
- Lucía¿Crees que esta camisa va a encoger?Do you think this shirt is going to shrink?
- MateoSí, es lana y podría encoger mucho.Yes, it is wool and it could shrink a lot.
- LucíaEntonces, no la lavaré con agua caliente.Then, I won't wash it with hot water.
- MateoEs mejor lavarla a mano, Lucía.It is better to wash it by hand, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry encoger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
