Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| entrecerrar los ojos | /entɾeθeraɾ los oxos/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /entɾeseraɾ los oxos/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| entornar los ojos | /entoɾnaɾ los oxos/ (from spelling rules) |
The verb describes the action of looking with the eyes partly closed, such as when reacting to bright sunlight.
What does it mean word for word?
The word entrecerrar is a compound of entre (between/among) and cerrar (to close), literally meaning to close partially or halfway.
Which one should you use?
The forms entornar los ojos and entrecerrar los ojos are largely synonymous. However, entornar los ojos can sometimes imply a more subtle or relaxed half-closing of the eyes compared to the more active entrecerrar los ojos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, the variation achinar los ojos is used to mean squinting or narrowing your eyes.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the verb for squinting is almost always used with the direct object los ojos (the eyes).
Did you know?
- The word entornar is built from a root that shares a lineage with the Greek word tórnos, which refers to a 'lathe' or a turning tool.
- The term achinar los ojos can be considered offensive or reductive in some social contexts due to its connection to ethnic stereotypes.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you use the phrase entrecerrar los ojos while speaking, it might be interpreted as a sign of suspicion or intense scrutiny rather than just a reaction to light.
Examples in context
- Entrecerró los ojos para ver mejor bajo el sol.He squinted to see better under the sun.
- Tienes que entrecerrar los ojos por el sol.You have to squint because of the sun.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are walking outside on a bright afternoon.
- DanielHace demasiada luz hoy.It is too bright today.
- LucíaSí, tienes que entrecerrar los ojos para ver bien.Yes, you have to squint to see well.
- DanielMe duelen un poco los ojos.My eyes hurt a little.
- LucíaUsa tus gafas de sol, Daniel.Use your sunglasses, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squint” translations, 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 entornar, los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
