chasquido “de dedos”/dactilar
masculine
The English word 'snap' (referring to the sound) is translated into Spanish as chasquido “de dedos”/dactilar.
In Spanish, chasquido refers to a snap-like sound produced by the contact of two objects. While chasquido can refer to many sudden sounds, chasquido de dedos is the standard way to specify a finger snap. To express the action of snapping your fingers, use the verbal phrase chasquear los dedos.
Meaning: act of producing sound with fingers (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word chasquido is used in both Spain and Latin America.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun chasquido is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use a 'snap' to signal attention, in many Spanish-speaking countries, clicking your tongue (a type of chasquido) can be a common way to express boredom or indifference.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly in Spain, a rhythmic chasquido of the fingers is not just a sound but a vital percussive instrument used to maintain time in Flamenco music.
- The noun chasquido is often used in literature to describe a sudden realization or a 'click' in someone's mind when they finally understand something.
Examples in context
- Escuché un estallido mientras caminaba por la calle.I heard a snap while walking down the street.
- El chasquido de la rama al romperse se escuchó a lo lejos.The snap of the branch breaking could be heard in the distance.
- Al compás de la música, hizo un chasquido de dedos.To the rhythm of the music, he snapped his fingers.
- Se escuchó un ruido seco cuando cerré el estuche.I heard a snap when I closed the case.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snap” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
