Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| balancear | /balanθeˈaɾ/ /balanseˈaɾ/ |
|
| bambolear | /bamboleˈaɾ/ | |
| mimbrear | /mimbɾeˈaɾ/ | |
| cantonearse | /kantoneaɾse/ (from spelling rules) | |
| denguear | /denɡeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America |
The verb balancear is frequently used as a transitive verb, meaning to swing an object (like a cradle or a pendulum) back and forth. When you want to describe the act of swaying. A swaying motion. A swing or sweep of a weapon as a noun, use balanceo. Related nouns for when 'sway' refers to influence, weight or authority that inclines to one side include influencia, influjo and preponderancia.
Which one should you use?
While balancear is a general term for swinging or balancing, it is often used when the motion is more controlled or rhythmic, such as swinging a pendulum or balancing an object. In contrast, bambolear specifically implies a shaky, unstable or wobbling swaying motion. If you are referring to the idea of influencing someone's opinion, you may use the formal translation influenciar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia and Venezuela, the verb bambolear is an alternative way to say 'sway'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/balanθeˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word mimbrear comes from mimbre, meaning 'wicker'. It describes a specific type of swaying that mimics the flexible motion of wicker branches.
- In Spanish, the concept of 'sway' as power is often expressed by influjo, which comes from the Latin word for 'flowing into'. It suggests a liquid force rather than a mechanical swing.
- In certain contexts, the word denguear is used to describe a swaying or shaking motion, which is quite distinct from the more common 'sway' terms.
Examples in context
- El discurso del líder logró influenciar a la audiencia.The leader's speech managed to sway the audience.
- La música logró conmover a todos con su ritmo.The music managed to sway everyone with its rhythm.
- La hamaca se mecía suavemente en la brisa del verano.The hammock swayed gently in the summer breeze.
- Jorge trató de convencer a sus amigos de ir al cine.Jorge tried to sway his friends to go to the movies.
- El carro se bamboleaba mientras cruzábamos la carretera.The car was swaying as we crossed the road.
- El niño quiere balancear la cuna.The child wants to sway the crib.
- No debes balancear la silla hacia atrás.You shouldn't sway the chair backward.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are in a nursery checking on a baby.
- Elena¿Puedes balancear la cuna suavemente?Can you sway the crib gently?
- AlejandroSí, Elena, lo haré ahora mismo.Yes, Elena, I will do it right now.
- ElenaÉl se ve muy tranquilo así.He looks very calm like that.
- AlejandroEs cierto, ya casi se duerme.It's true, he is almost asleep.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sway” translations and entries balancear, bambolear, mimbrear, 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 balancear, bambolear, mimbrear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
