darse de puñetazos
/daɾse de puɲetaθos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "throwing hands" is translated into Spanish as darse de puñetazos.
The phrase darse de puñetazos is used specifically to describe a fight involving punches. It distinguishes a situation where people are hitting each other with their fists from a general brawl that might include kicking or the use of weapons.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb darse (to give to oneself or each other), the preposition de (of or with) and the noun puñetazos (punches). Literally, it means "to give each other punches".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial expressions pegar una paliza and dar una paliza are used to mean "beating someone up".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the phrase uses the reflexive verb darse, you must conjugate it to reflect the subjects involved. For example, se dieron de puñetazos means "they threw hands at each other".
How do you pronounce it?
/daɾse de puɲetaθos/
Did you know?
- The noun puño meaning 'fist' is the root of the Spanish word puñalada, which refers to a stab wound from a knife rather than a punch.
- While darse de puñetazos implies a mutual fight, the term paliza describes a one-sided beating and is frequently used to describe failing an exam or losing a sports match.
- While darse de puñetazos describes the act of fighting, Spanish speakers often use the word puñetazo in the phrase dar un puñetazo en la mesa to describe slamming a fist on a table in frustration.
Examples in context
- En el informe de seguridad, se menciona que dos trabajadores tuvieron un altercado físico en la construcción del edificio.In the security report, it is mentioned that two workers had a physical altercation at the construction site.
- Los dos chicos se agarraron a golpes detrás del colegio después de la discusión.The two boys got into a brawl behind the school after the argument.
- Es mejor hablar que darse de puñetazos.It is better to talk than to throw hands.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a fight they witnessed at a bar.
- María¿Viste a esos dos darse de puñetazos?Did you see those two throwing hands?
- JavierSí, fue un espectáculo muy violento.Yes, it was a very violent spectacle.
- MaríaJavier, no deberías haberte acercado tanto.Javier, you shouldn't have gotten so close.
- JavierLo sé, pero quería ver qué pasaba.I know, but I wanted to see what was happening.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
