zap
/θap/from spelling rules
To zap in Spanish is zap, referring specifically to heating something in a microwave oven.
The term zap is used when you are heating food or items in a microwave. Note that while zap refers to microwave heating, if you are discussing an actual electric shock, you should use the formal term Descarga eléctrica. If you wish to describe a sudden, impactful action metaphorically in an informal way, you might use Pum.
Meaning: heat in a microwave oven (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
/θap/
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are 'zapping' through channels on a TV, do not use zap. Instead, use the verb cambiar to describe switching between stations.
- If you say you want to 'zap' an idea in Spanish, it will not make sense. Unlike in English, the word does not carry the metaphorical meaning of 'to eliminate' or 'to destroy' quickly.
- While zap refers to heat, the Spanish word for a real electric shock, descarga, literally translates to a 'discharge', treating electricity as a fluid being poured out.
Examples in context
- El carpintero golpeó con fuerza el clavo.The carpenter hit the nail forcefully.
- Recibió una fuerte descarga eléctrica cuando tocó los cables.He received a strong electric shock when he touched the cables.
- ¡Zas! Cerré el libro de repente.!Zap! I suddenly closed the book.
Example conversation
María and Javier are in the kitchen preparing a snack.
- MaríaJavier, ¿está fría la leche?Javier, is the milk cold?
- JavierSí, María, está muy fría.Yes, María, it is very cold.
- MaríaEntonces, puedes zap la leche un poco.Then, you can zap the milk a bit.
- JavierEstá bien, lo haré ahora.All right, I will do it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
