Learning how to say “to drain” in Spanish is essential when describing the act of removing or allowing liquid to escape from a container or area. Whether you want to express this concept formally or informally, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey this meaning, and provide tips and examples to help you understand and use the term appropriately. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “To Drain” in Spanish
If you wish to use a more formal register when expressing “to drain,” consider the following options:
- Drenar: This is the most common and widespread term used to describe the action of draining. It is a neutral and versatile verb that works well in most situations. For example, “Drain the water from the sink” can be expressed as “Drene el agua del fregadero.”
- Desaguar: This verb specifically refers to draining water or any other liquid by using drains or drainage systems. It often implies the removal of water from flooded areas. For instance, “The plumber will drain the basement” can be translated as “El fontanero desaguará el sótano.”
- Escurrir: While primarily meaning “to drain,” this verb is often associated with the action of letting liquid drain naturally, such as when straining pasta or vegetables. For instance, “The recipe says to drain the pasta” can be expressed as “La receta indica escurrir la pasta.”
Informal Ways to Say “To Drain” in Spanish
When it comes to informal language, you have a few alternatives to express “to drain” in a more colloquial manner. These options are commonly used in everyday conversations:
- Chupar: This verb is often used colloquially in some regions and figuratively means “to drain” or “to suck dry.” While it may not be universally understood, it adds a touch of informality to your language. For example, “He drained the bottle of wine” can be translated as “Se chupó la botella de vino.”
- Vaciar: Although it generally means “to empty,” “vaciar” can also be used to convey the concept of draining. It implies removing the entire content of something, leaving it empty. For instance, “After cooking, drain the oil from the pan” can be expressed as “Después de cocinar, vacía el aceite de la sartén.”
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you grasp the usage of different terms related to “to drain” in Spanish:
Tips:
- Consider the context: The choice of verb will depend on the specific context and the type of liquid being drained.
- Pay attention to regional variations: Some terms may be more common in specific Spanish-speaking regions, so it’s helpful to be aware of local variations.
Examples:
- “The sink is clogged, and the water isn’t draining.” -> “El fregadero está obstruido y el agua no se está drenando.”
- “She poured the rice into a colander to drain the excess water.” -> “Ella vació el arroz en un colador para escurrir el exceso de agua.”
- “The pool needs to be drained and cleaned.” -> “La piscina necesita ser vaciada y limpiada.”
- “Don’t forget to drain the oil from the tuna can before using it in the salad.” -> “No olvides escurrir el aceite de la lata de atún antes de usarlo para la ensalada.”
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive guide on how to say “to drain” in Spanish. Remember to consider the formality of your communication and the specific context to choose the most appropriate term. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll become a master of Spanish vocabulary!
