tapiar
/tapjaɾ/from spelling rules
To wall up is translated into Spanish as tapiar.
The phrase tapiar is used to describe the action of closing an opening, such as a door or a window, by building a wall across it.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is derived from the noun tapia, which refers to a wall or a thick masonry structure.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tapiar is a regular -ar verb in Spanish.
How do you pronounce it?
/tapjaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, tapiar is used metaphorically to describe shutting someone out or blocking a path of communication completely.
- Spanish distinguishes between muro, a general wall, and tapia, which often implies a boundary wall or one meant to enclose a space.
- The word tapia originally referred to a wall made of rammed earth, a technique of compressing layers of soil and lime into a solid mass.
Examples in context
- Voy a tapar con una pared la parte dañada de mi jardín.I'm going to wall up the damaged part of my garden.
- Decidieron tapiar la ventana para evitar que entrara el frío.They decided to wall up the window to prevent the cold from coming in.
- Van a tapiar la puerta de la entrada.They are going to wall up the entrance door.
- Decidieron tapiar la ventana vieja.They decided to wall up the old window.
- El constructor debe tapiar ese pasillo.The builder must wall up that hallway.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing renovations in an old house.
- María¿Vas a tapiar la entrada principal, Daniel?Are you going to wall up the main entrance, Daniel?
- DanielSí, María, es más seguro así.Yes, María, it is safer this way.
- MaríaMe parece una buena idea.I think it is a good idea.
- DanielEntonces, mañana mismo empezaré el trabajo.Then, I will start the work tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tapiar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
