What does it mean word for word?
The expression tirar de la cadena literally means 'to pull the chain', which refers to the old-fashioned mechanism once used to flush toilets.
Which one should you use?
While tirar de la cadena is the standard idiomatic expression, you may encounter Jalar la cadena (to pull the chain) or Halar la palanca (to pull the lever) in more informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tirar de la cadena is a colloquial expression used in everyday speech. For a more formal way to say 'to flush the toilet', you can use Descargar el inodoro. Conversely, Jalar la cadena and Halar la palanca are considered informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Mexico and Central America, Halar la palanca is prevalent. Additionally, in Mexico and some Central American regions, people use the phrase jalar el excusado to mean 'to flush the toilet'.
Did you know?
- The word excusado comes from the idea of making an 'excuse' to leave a room for privacy.
- While tirar means 'to pull' in this phrase, it is also the most common Spanish verb for 'to throw' or 'to toss' an object.
- The phrase tirar de la cadena serves as a linguistic fossil. Even though most modern toilets use a button or a lever, the expression still refers to the physical action of pulling an actual metal chain.
Examples in context
- Te has olvidado tirar de la cadena.You forgot to flush the toilet.This sentence is useful for noting when someone forgot to use tirar de la cadena.Tatoeba #6692076 by arh, translation #6691904 by CK
- ¿Te acordaste de tirar de la cadena?Did you remember to flush the toilet?This sentence is useful for asking if someone remembered to use tirar de la cadena.Tatoeba #6692078 by arh, translation #6691903 by CK
- No te olvides de tirar de la cadena.Don't forget to flush the toilet.This sentence is useful for reminding someone not to forget to use tirar de la cadena.Tatoeba #9742785 by arh, translation #38940 by CK
- No te olvides de tirar de la cadena después.Don't forget to flush the toilet afterwards.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is cleaning their new apartment.
- LucíaMateo, recuerda tirar de la cadena.Mateo, remember to flush the toilet.
- MateoLo siento, se me olvidó tirar de la cadena.I'm sorry, I forgot to flush the toilet.
- LucíaNo pasa nada, pero hazlo ahora.It's okay, but do it now.
- MateoVale, ya voy a tirar de la cadena.Okay, I'm going to flush the toilet now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
