Spanish Conversation · Level 144
44 words
Spanish word
encorvar
Pronunciation
IPA/eŋkoɾˈβaɾ/
Meaning
- verbstoop
Example
No debes encorvar la espalda.
You shouldn't stoop.
More examples
Al leer en el sofá, se suele encorvar la espalda.
When reading on the sofa, people often stoop.
Core concept
Rounded upper back leaning forward.
Common phrases
encorvar la espalda
stoop
encorvar los hombros
round one's shoulders
Similar words
agachar: Leans the torso or hips downward, moving into a crouch or squat.
inclinar: Angles the head or body toward a point, making a directional tilt.
encorvarse: Takes on a hunched posture as the back rounds and the upper body falls forward.
doblar: Folds a limb or section of the body by bending at joints.
Definition in Spanish
Curvar o doblar la espalda o la parte superior del cuerpo hacia adelante; al referirse a una persona suele aparecer en la forma pronominal encorvarse.
Word origin
From Spanish en- plus curvar (from Latin curvāre 'to bend', from curvus 'bent'), so literally to make the back curve.
Usage tips
- When referring to a person Spanish normally uses the reflexive encorvarse to mean becoming hunched, while inclinarse is a simple lean and agacharse means to bend down.