Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aplastar | /aplasˈtaɾ/ |
| estrellar | /estɾeˈʝaɾ/ |
| destrozar | /destɾoˈθaɾ/ /destɾoˈsaɾ/ |
| machucar | /mat͡ʃuˈkaɾ/ |
| machacar | /mat͡ʃaˈkaɾ/ |
| majar | /maˈxaɾ/ |
| chancar | /t͡ʃanˈkaɾ/ |
| esclafar | /esklafaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
For example, if you are specifically talking about smashing a window, you should use romper (to break) instead of aplastar or machacar. In the context of tennis, the English term smash is also used in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
The various Spanish forms carry different nuances: aplastar is used when the action results in something being flattened or crushed under weight. Estrellar is used when an object smashes or crashes into a surface, which often implies a high-speed impact. Destrozar emphasizes the total destruction of an object or the state of being broken into many pieces. Machacar is used for the repetitive action of smashing or pounding something, such as food or spices and can also be used figuratively to mean repeatedly telling someone the same thing until they understand (to hammer it home).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In several Latin American countries, machucar is a common variant of machacar used to mean smash or crush. Additionally, chancar is a colloquial term used in some Latin American regions to describe crushing or smashing something.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aplasˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Aplastamos las latas de refrescoWe smash soda cans
- El terremoto destrozó los edificiosThe earthquake smashed the buildings
- Machacamos las nueces con un martilloWe smash the nuts with a hammer
- Chafa la lata de refresco con el pieSmash the soda can with your foot
- Golpeamos la piñata hasta que se rompióWe smashed the piñata until it broke
- Ten cuidado de no aplastar las flores.Be careful not to smash the flowers.
- El camión puede aplastar el coche pequeño.The truck can smash the small car.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are working in a garden.
- MateoTen cuidado con las plantas, Lucía.Be careful with the plants, Lucía.
- LucíaLo siento, no quiero aplastar nada.I'm sorry, I don't want to smash anything.
- MateoEs que vas muy rápido.It's just that you are going very fast.
- LucíaTienes razón, iré más despacio.You are right, I will go slower.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smash” translations and entries aplastar, estrellar, destrozar, machucar, machacar, majar, chancar, 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 destrozar, estrellar, machucar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
