gatillo
/ɡaˈtiʝo/
The English word 'trigger' can be translated into Spanish as gatillo.
In Spanish, gatillo is a noun used for the physical object, whereas the English verb 'to trigger' is often translated using the verb desencadenar (to trigger/unleash) rather than using gatillo as a verb.
Meaning: to initiate something (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use gatillo when referring to the physical lever of a firearm, but use desencadenante when referring to a metaphorical or psychological trigger that initiates a process or reaction. Desencadenador is a formal way to say trigger. Disparador is a formal way to say trigger or firing mechanism.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaˈtiʝo/
Did you know?
- The word gatillo is actually a diminutive of gato, meaning 'cat'. It literally translates to 'little cat', likely referring to the small, nimble shape of the lever.
- In Spanish, you do not 'pull' a gatillo as you do in English. Instead, you apretar it, which means 'to squeeze' or 'to press'.
- While gatillo refers to the physical lever, the verb desencadenar used for metaphorical triggers literally means 'to unchain'.
Examples in context
- Tom jaló el gatillo.Tom pulled the trigger.This example shows the use of gatillo in the context of pulling a trigger.Tatoeba #1174912 by marcelostockle, translation #1164309 by CK
- No tires del gatillo.Don't pull the trigger.This example shows a command regarding the use of the gatillo.Tatoeba #2271115 by hayastan, translation #2270521 by CK
- Yo no apreté el gatillo.I didn't pull the trigger.This example shows a negation regarding the use of the gatillo.Tatoeba #3666330 by Seael, translation #2283601 by CK
- El incidente desencadenador provocó una serie de problemas en el sistema.The triggering incident caused a series of problems in the system.
- No le hables de política, eso lo enciende.Don't talk to him about politics, it triggers him.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a mechanism in a science project.
- MateoTengo que presionar el gatillo aquí.I have to press the trigger here.
- ElenaTen cuidado con el gatillo, Mateo.Be careful with the trigger, Mateo.
- MateoEl gatillo no se mueve.The trigger is not moving.
- ElenaPrueba a jalar el gatillo más fuerte.Try pulling the trigger harder.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gatillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gatillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
