Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| pisotear | /pisoteˈaɾ/ |
| patullar | /patuʝaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| zapatear | /θapateˈaɾ/ /sapateˈaɾ/ |
| hollar | /oˈʝaɾ/ |
| rehollar | /reoʝaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| taconear | /takoneaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
To stomp can mean different things depending on whether you are describing crushing something underfoot, moving rhythmically or expressing frustration. Pisotear is the most common way to describe the physical act of stepping heavily on something or someone, often with a connotation of crushing or disrespecting. If you are describing a single, forceful step that produces a stomping sound, you might use the noun pisotón. The noun form for a single stomp or a heavy step is pisada.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the intent of the movement. Use pisotear to describe trampling or crushing something. Use zapatear to describe rhythmic stomping, such as in dancing. Use taconear when the action specifically focuses on the action of the heel, often used in the context of dancing or the sound made by heels. If you are describing an emotional reaction, such as stomping due to frustration or rage, you might use patalear.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, the verb zapatear is used to express stomping in a rhythmic and artistic manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb pisotear is a regular -ar verb in its conjugation.
How do you pronounce it?
/pisoteˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word hollar comes from the Latin fullo, referring to a 'fuller' who stomped on wool fabrics to thicken and clean them.
- The verb zapatear is not just a movement but a core element of traditional folk dances like the zapateado, where the dancer's feet act as percussion instruments.
- While pisotear means to stomp physically, it is frequently used as a metaphor for destroying someone's dignity or 'trampling' on their rights.
Examples in context
- Pisó con fuerza para mostrar su enojoHe/she stomped to show his/her anger
- Le dio un pisotón al jugueteHe/she stomped on the toy
- El niño pataleaba enojado en el sueloThe child stomped angrily on the floor
- El bailarín marcó el suelo con fuerza durante su presentaciónThe dancer stomped the floor forcefully during his/her performance
- Los bailarines zapatearon al ritmo de la músicaThe dancers stomped to the rhythm of the music
- No debes pisotear las flores del jardín.You must not trample the garden flowers.
- El gigante empezó a pisotear la aldea.The giant began to stomp on the village.
- Ten cuidado de no pisotear la hierba nueva.Be careful not to trample the new grass.
Example conversation
Javier and María are walking through a flower field.
- JavierMaría, camina con cuidado.María, walk carefully.
- MaríaNo quiero pisotear las plantas.I do not want to trample the plants.
- JavierEstá bien, yo te guiaré por el camino.It is fine, I will guide you along the path.
- MaríaGracias, Javier, eres muy amable.Thank you, Javier, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stomp” translations and entries pisotear, patullar, zapatear, hollar, taconear, 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 hollar, zapatear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
