dale una bofetada
/dale una bofetada/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'slap him' is translated into Spanish as dale una bofetada.
The phrase is used to describe the action of hitting someone on the face with the palm of the hand.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dale una bofetada literally translates to 'give him a slap'. The word dale is the imperative command form of the verb dar (to give) combined with the indirect object pronoun le (him/her).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the specific phrase Propinarle una soplamocos is used to mean 'to give him a face slap'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to change this from a command into a statement such as 'he slaps him', you should use le da una bofetada.
How do you pronounce it?
/dale una bofetada/
Did you know?
- The word bofetada may be linked to the English word 'buffoon' and the verb 'buffet'. They share a common history rooted in the idea of a blow or a strike.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a 'slap' can be used figuratively to describe a sudden, humiliating defeat or a surprising piece of news that 'hits' someone emotionally.
Examples in context
- La situación se volvió incontrolable, así que le di una bofetada para frenarlo.The situation became uncontrollable, so I slapped him to stop him.
- Después de varias provocaciones, al final le metí una torta para que dejara de molestar.After several provocations, in the end, I slapped him to make him stop bothering me.
- Dale una bofetada si te insulta.Slap him if he insults you.
- Solo dale una bofetada para que reaccione.Just slap him so he reacts.
Example conversation
Lucía is telling Mateo how to handle a rude man at a party.
- MateoÉl es muy grosero.He is very rude.
- LucíaSi dice algo más, dale una bofetada.If he says anything else, slap him.
- Mateo¿En serio quieres que haga eso?Do you seriously want me to do that?
- LucíaSí, que aprenda a respetarte.Yes, so he learns to respect you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bofetada, dale, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
