Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dar golpecitos | /daɾ ɡolpeθitos/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /daɾ ɡolpesitos/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| tamborilear | /tamboɾileˈaɾ/ |
| tamborear | /tamboɾeˈaɾ/ |
| tabalear | /tabaleaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The verb forms are used to describe the action of touching something, often repeatedly. If you are referring to the noun of a single tap on a touchscreen or a button, the most natural term is toque. For related electrical or fluid connections, the noun derivación is used. In various Spanish-speaking regions, the verb tocar is also a common way to express the action of tapping.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dar golpecitos is composed of the verb dar (to give) and the diminutive form of golpe (hit/blow), literally meaning 'to give little hits'.
Which one should you use?
While dar golpecitos is a general way to say tap, tamborilear specifically implies a rhythmic tapping, such as drumming one's fingers on a table. Other variations include tamborear and tabalear.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/daɾ ɡolpeθitos/
Did you know?
- While dar golpecitos means 'to give little hits', Spanish uses the diminutive suffix -ito to transform a violent word like golpe (blow/hit) into a gentle action.
- The word toque for a touchscreen tap is also used in Spanish to describe a 'touch' of flavor or a distinctive stylistic detail in art.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, tocar can mean tapping a screen but also 'to play' a musical instrument or 'to ring' a doorbell.
Examples in context
- Le di unos golpecitos en el hombroI gave him/her a few taps on the shoulder
- Toca ligeramente la pantalla para abrir la aplicaciónTap the screen lightly to open the app
- Ella empezó a dar golpecitos en la ventana.She started tapping on the window.
- Él suele dar golpecitos en su teclado al trabajar.He tends to tap on his keyboard while working.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are studying in a quiet library.
- MaríaMateo, deja de dar golpecitos con el lápiz.Mateo, stop tapping with the pencil.
- MateoPerdona, María, es que estoy nervioso.Sorry, María, it's just that I am nervous.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, pero hace mucho ruido.Don't worry, but it makes a lot of noise.
- MateoLo siento, ya no lo haré más.I'm sorry, I won't do it anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tap” translations and entries tamborilear, tamborear, 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.
