Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| resbalar | /resbaˈlaɾ/ | |
| resfalar | /resfalaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| refalar | /refalaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| esbarar | /esbaˈɾaɾ/ | |
| esvarar | /esbaˈɾaɾ/ | alternative form |
The verb resbalar is used to describe losing traction on a surface or the physical act of slipping. You can use the expression resbalar sobre el hielo when specifically referring to slipping on ice. If you want to specify that someone actually fell after losing their footing, you can use the phrase resbalar y caerse (to slip and fall). While resbalar describes the loss of traction, it is distinct from deslizarse, which more often implies a smooth, intentional sliding motion. If you are speaking figuratively about making a mistake or 'slipping up', use the idiom meter la pata.
Which one should you use?
The forms resfalar, refalar and esbarar are variations or related forms, while esvarar is an alternative spelling of esbarar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form used to describe a single instance of slipping or a skid is resbalón.
How do you pronounce it?
/resbaˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- While resbalar describes a loss of traction, a person who makes a mistake does not 'slip' in Spanish, but instead 'inserts a paw' using the phrase meter la pata.
- The root of the word esbarar comes from the Latin vārus, meaning 'bent outwards'.
- The noun form resbalón is used not just for a physical slip, but also to describe a momentary lapse in judgment or a 'slip of the tongue'.
Examples in context
- Tenga cuidado de no resbalar en las baldosas mojadas.Mind you don't slip on the wet tiles.This sentence is useful for warning someone not to resbalar on wet tiles.Tatoeba #3254253 by carlosalberto, translation #3254218 by patgfisher
- Por favor, tenga cuidado al caminar para evitar deslizamientos.Please be careful when walking to avoid slips.
- ¡Cuidado, no te resbales con el agua!Be careful, don't slip on the water!
- Me di un patinazo en el hielo y caí al suelo.I slipped on the ice and fell to the ground.
- ¡Ten cuidado! Resbalé y me caí al suelo.Be careful! I slipped and fell to the ground.
- Es fácil resbalar en el hielo, así que camina con precaución.It's easy to slip on the ice, so walk with caution.
- Hoy metí la pata en la reunión y dije algo inapropiado.Today I slipped up in the meeting and said something inappropriate.
- Ten cuidado, podrías resbalar con el hielo.Be careful, you could slip on the ice.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are walking near a wet swimming pool.
- ElenaNo corras, no sea que te vayas a resbalar.Don't run, lest you slip.
- DanielNo te preocupes, Elena, tengo buen equilibrio.Don't worry, Elena, I have good balance.
- Elena¡Mira, Daniel, casi te caes!Look, Daniel, you almost fell!
- DanielEs cierto, el suelo está muy mojado.It's true, the floor is very wet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slip” translations and entries resbalar, resfalar, refalar, esbarar, esvarar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esbarar, resbalar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
