nalguear
/nalɡeˈaɾ/
The English phrase "spank" is translated into Spanish as nalguear. If unsure, use nalguear. Wiktionary also lists zurrar and dar paupau.
Meaning: to smack or slap a person's buttocks, with the bare hand or other object. (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| nalguear | /nalɡeˈaɾ/ |
| zurrar | /θuˈraɾ/ /suˈraɾ/ |
| dar paupau | /daɾ paupau/ (from spelling rules) |
| dar pam-pam | /daɾ pampam/ (from spelling rules) |
The verb refers to the act of smacking or slapping a person's buttocks, either with a bare hand or another object. Related nouns include nalgada, which describes a single instance of a spank or the slapping sound produced and nalgazo or azote, which refer to an instance of spanking or a smack.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb nalguear is derived from the noun nalga, which means "buttock".
Which one should you use?
Nalguear is used specifically when referring to hitting the buttocks. In contrast, zurrar is a more general term that means to give someone a beating or a thrashing.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/nalɡeˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- While nalguear is specific to the anatomy, zurrar can be used figuratively in some regions to mean 'to rain heavily'.
- The phrases dar paupau and dar pam-pam use baby talk to describe the sound of a slap, making them common in childcare contexts.
- The verb zurrar does not rely on a root word meaning 'to hit' but is instead onomatopoeic, mimicking the actual sound of a strike.
Examples in context
- ¡Te voy a nalguear!I'm going to spank you.This sentence uses nalguear to express the intent to spank someone.Tatoeba #10022344 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10022382 by DJ_Saidez
- El padre decidió darle una nalgada a su hijo como castigo por su comportamiento irrespetuoso.The father decided to give his son a spank as punishment for his disrespectful behavior.
- Alicia y Antonio estaban jugando y, como broma, Alicia le dio una palmada en el trasero.Alicia and Antonio were playing, and as a joke, Alicia gave him a playful spank on the buttock.
- No deberías nalguear a los demás así.You shouldn't spank others like that.
Example conversation
Two parents are discussing discipline for their children.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿crees que debemos nalguear a los niños?Daniel, do you think we should spank the children?
- DanielNo, María, prefiero hablar con ellos.No, María, I prefer to talk with them.
- MaríaYo también, pero a veces es difícil.I agree, but sometimes it is difficult.
- DanielEs mejor buscar otras formas de disciplina.It is better to look for other forms of discipline.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spank” translations and entries nalguear, zurrar, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
