saltos de tijera
/saltos de tixeɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'star jumps' is translated into Spanish as saltos de tijera.
Saltos de tijera refers to a jumping exercise where you spread your legs and arms wide and then bring them back together.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'scissor jumps', referring to the scissor-like motion of the limbs.
Which one should you use?
The plural saltos de tijera is used when referring to the exercise in general or to multiple repetitions, while the singular form salto de tijera refers to a single star jump.
How do you pronounce it?
/saltos de tixeɾa/
Did you know?
- The word tijera traces back to the Latin tōnsōria, meaning an instrument for cutting or shearing, which connects this exercise to the ancient tools of barbers.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, this exercise is also called saltos de estrella, which more closely matches the English 'star jump' imagery.
- In some Spanish-speaking fitness contexts, you might hear people refer to these movements by the English name 'jumping jacks', but saltos de tijera remains the formal way to describe the specific scissor motion.
Examples in context
- Vamos a hacer unos saltitos en forma de estrella para ejercitarnos.Let's do some star jumps to exercise.
- Haz diez saltos de tijera para calentar.Do ten star jumps to warm up.
- Haremos diez saltos de tijera.We will do ten star jumps.
- Los saltos de tijera son cansados.Star jumps are tiring.
- No olvides incluir los saltos de tijera en la rutina.Don't forget to include star jumps in the routine.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are finishing a workout at the gym.
- Mateo¿Terminamos con los saltos de tijera, Elena?Do we finish with star jumps, Elena?
- ElenaSí, hagamos veinte saltos de tijera más.Yes, let's do twenty more star jumps.
- Mateo¡Uf, esos saltos de tijera me dejan agotado!Ugh, those star jumps leave me exhausted!
- ElenaTú lo haces muy bien, Mateo.You do them very well, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, tijera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
