recortar
/rekoɾˈtaɾ/
To trim in Spanish is recortar. Wiktionary also lists podar and escamondar.
Meaning: to reduce slightly (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| recortar | /rekoɾˈtaɾ/ |
| podar | /poˈdaɾ/ |
| escamondar | /eskamondaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| escamujar | /eskamuxaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| atusar | /atuˈsaɾ/ |
The primary way to express the idea of reducing something slightly is to use the verb recortar. Related nouns such as ribete, orla and orladura can be used when referring to a decoration placed along edges or borders.
Which one should you use?
While recortar is a general term for trimming or reducing, use podar specifically when you are referring to pruning or trimming plants, trees or shrubs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The verb recortar is commonly heard in Spain.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are trimming something on your own body, such as your hair or nails, use the reflexive form recortarse to show that the action is being performed on yourself.
How do you pronounce it?
/rekoɾˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- While recortar is the standard term for trimming, the verb atusar can also mean to ruffle or mess up hair, creating an opposite meaning depending on the context.
- The English word 'short' and the Spanish verb recortar are distant linguistic cousins, both originating from the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)ker-, which means 'to cut'.
- The Spanish word podar for trimming plants is rooted in the Latin word for 'cleansing', suggesting that pruning was historically seen as a way to purify a plant's growth.
Examples in context
- Deberías recortarte las uñas.You should trim your fingernails.This sentence demonstrates the use of the reflexive form recortar when talking about fingernails.Tatoeba #5814698 by albrusgher, translation #2734819 by Hybrid
- Voy a recortar un poco este papel.I am going to trim this paper a little bit.
- Necesitas recortar los bordes de la foto.You need to trim the edges of the photo.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are working on a school project together.
- Lucía¿Puedes recortar este trozo de cartulina?Can you trim this piece of cardboard?
- JavierSí, lo recortaré ahora mismo.Yes, I will trim it right now.
- LucíaGracias, Javier, nos ayudará mucho.Thanks, Javier, it will help us a lot.
- JavierDe nada, Lucía, queda perfecto.You're welcome, Lucía, it looks perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trim” translations and entries recortar, podar, escamondar, escamujar, atusar, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries podar, recortar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
