Spanish Conversation · Level 66
60 words
Spanish word
pitar
Pronunciation
IPA/piˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbblow the whistle
Example
El árbitro pita por una falta.
The referee blows the whistle for a foul.
More examples
La gente pita al árbitro tras la decisión.
The crowd boos the referee after the decision.
Core concept
A brief vehicle horn blast used as a warning or expression of impatience.
Common phrases
pitar a alguien
boo somebody
pitar el claxon
sound the horn
pitar una falta
blow the whistle for a foul
Similar words
silbar: Produces continuous, high-pitched tones by pursing the lips and blowing steadily.
chiflar: Emits quick, forceful mouth sounds to express disapproval or irritation.
soplar: Blows air from the mouth to create a light breeze or move something gently.
Definition in Spanish
Hacer sonar brevemente un pito, silbato o bocina para indicar una falta, advertir o mostrar desagrado, sobre todo en contextos deportivos y de tráfico.
Word origin
The verb comes from pito, an onomatopoeic noun for a small whistle, combined with -ar, and its use broadened from a small whistle to horn-like short signals.
Usage tips
- In traffic contexts pitar commonly means to honk a car horn rather than to whistle with the mouth, so 'honk' is often the natural English equivalent.