derrapar
/deraˈpaɾ/
The English verb 'skid' can be translated into Spanish as derrapar, resbalar or patinar.
Meaning: to slide in an uncontrolled manner (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| derrapar | /deraˈpaɾ/ |
| resbalar | /resbaˈlaɾ/ |
| patinar | /patiˈnaɾ/ |
These verbs describe moving in an uncontrolled manner. The related nouns describe the motion itself: derrape refers to a vehicle skidding, resbalón refers to a slip, often by a person and patinazo can mean a physical slip or a metaphorical blunder. Additionally, tarima is the basic form for the noun meaning platform.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on what is sliding. Use derrapar specifically when a vehicle loses traction and slides sideways. Use resbalar when a person or an object slips on a surface, such as ice or a wet floor. In Argentina, patinar is a common way to express skidding.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term patinar is commonly used for skidding.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/deraˈpaɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of patinar comes from the Ancient Greek word πᾰτᾰ́νη, which refers to a platter or a shallow dish.
- Although resbalar means 'to slip', it is also used idiomatically to describe someone who avoids a responsibility or 'slips' out of a commitment.
Examples in context
- Durante las fuertes lluvias, el automóvil sufrió un deslizamiento y chocó contra el guardarraíl.During the heavy rain, the car skidded and crashed into the guardrail.
- La pista de hielo estaba tan resbaladiza que el patinador sufrió un derrape.The ice rink was so slippery that the skater experienced a skid.
- Durante el invierno, es común ver autos patinando en las carreteras heladas.During winter, it's common to see cars skidding on icy roads.
- El automóvil derrapó al tomar la curvaThe car skidded when taking the curve
- El motorista patinó con la moto al frenarThe motorcyclist skidded with the bike while braking
- El coche empezó a derrapar en la curva.The car started to skid on the curve.
- Ten cuidado de no derrapar en el hielo.Be careful not to skid on the ice.
- Las ruedas pueden derrapar si frenas de golpe.The wheels can skid if you brake suddenly.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a recent driving accident.
- Daniel¿Viste cómo el camión empezó a derrapar?Did you see how the truck started to skid?
- MaríaSí, fue muy peligroso, Daniel.Yes, it was very dangerous, Daniel.
- DanielEl conductor perdió el control totalmente.The driver lost control completely.
- MaríaMenos mal que no chocó contra nada.Luckily he didn't hit anything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skid” translations and entries derrapar, resbalar, patinar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derrapar, patinar, resbalar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
