Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| lapear | /lapeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| sopapear | /sopapeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| abofetear | /abofeteˈaɾ/ |
| bofetear | /bofeteˈaɾ/ |
| cachetear | /kat͡ʃeteˈaɾ/ |
The verbs provided describe the action of slapping or hitting someone. cachetear is a common way to express slapping someone's cheek. For a loud or resounding smack, the informal term Petazo is used in Spain.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the intensity and context: sopapear implies a heavier, more forceful blow than a standard slap. In contrast, abofetear is a more formal or standard term for a slap. cachetear is a very common way to express the action of slapping someone's cheek.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sopapear is a colloquial way to describe hitting someone, often used in a more expressive or less formal context. Conversely, abofetear is a more formal or standard term for a slap. In Spain, the informal term Petazo is used to describe a loud or resounding slap or smack.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/lapeaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb lapear is a common term for a smack in some regions, but it is also the standard word for a dog 'lapping' up water with its tongue.
- The word bofetear may have been borrowed from the English word 'buffet' meaning a blow or slap. This is a rare case where a Spanish word for a physical hit likely comes from English.
- While abofetear describes the physical act of slapping, the noun bofetada is often used metaphorically to describe a shocking realization or a 'slap in the face' from destiny.
Examples in context
- Le dio un golpe fuerte al ladrónHe gave the thief a strong smack
- Recibió una bofetada tras sus comentarios ofensivosHe received a slap after his offensive remarks
- Enojado por los insultos, no pudo evitar darle una bofetada contundente en la cara.Enraged by the insults, he couldn't help but give him a powerful smack across the face.
- Juguetonamente le dio una palmada en el brazo a su amigo por hacer una broma.She playfully smacked her friend on the arm for making a joke.
- El profesor le dio una palmadita en la mano con una regla al estudiante que se portaba mal.The teacher gave the misbehaving student a light smack on the hand with a ruler.
- Mi hermano me dio una cachetada por accidenteMy brother gave me a slap by accident
- Le dio una pintada en la cara por insolenteHe gave him a smack across the face for being insolent
- Le dio un petazo en la cabeza para que dejara de molestarHe gave him a smack on the head to make him stop bothering
- En un arrebato de ira, él golpeó la mesa con la mano abierta.In a fit of rage, he smacked the table with his open hand.
- La madre dio un golpe leve en la mano del niño para evitar que tocara la estufa caliente.The mother smacked her child's hand gently to prevent them from touching the hot stove.
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing over a toy.
- María¡Dame mi juguete, Alejandro!Give me my toy, Alejandro!
- AlejandroNo, es mío ahora.No, it's mine now.
- MaríaSi no lo haces, te voy a lapear.If you don't, I'm going to smack you.
- Alejandro¡No te atrevas, María!Don't you dare, María!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smack” translations and entries lapear, sopapear, abofetear, bofetear, cachetear, 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 abofetear, bofetear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
