Spanish Conversation · Level 105
60 words
Spanish word
taponar
Pronunciation
IPA/tapoˈnaɾ/
Meaning
- verbplug
Example
Evita taponar el desagüe con pelo.
Avoid plugging the drain with hair.
More examples
No debes taponar la nariz con algodón.
You should not plug your nose with cotton.
Core concept
Someone plugging a hole or pipe by stuffing a stopper or debris until flow stops.
Common phrases
taponar el desagüe
plug the drain
taponar la nariz
plug your nose
Similar words
tapar: Covers an opening or gap so nothing can pass through, usually by placing a lid or sheet over it.
atascar: Jams a pipe or drain with debris so its internal flow or movement stops.
bloquear: Prevents passage or movement by placing an obstacle in the way so progress stops.
obstruir: Fills the interior of a pipe or passage with material that obstructs flow or movement.
Definition in Spanish
Consiste en impedir el paso por un orificio o tubería mediante la colocación o acumulación de un tapón u otro elemento.
Word origin
The verb is formed from the noun tapón 'stopper' plus the verbal suffix -ar, with tapón related to tapar meaning 'to cover' or 'close'.
Usage tips
- Spanish often uses the reflexive se with taponar to say something clogged on its own, as in se taponó el desagüe, while lo taponé shows the speaker caused the blockage.
Opposites
- desatascarunclogverb
- destaponarunplugverb
Related words
- tapónplugnoun
- taponadopluggedadjective