Spanish Conversation · Level 108
59 words
Spanish word
tragar
Pronunciation
IPA/tɾaˈɣaɾ/
Meaning
- verbswallow
Example
No puedo tragar esta pastilla.
I can't swallow this pill.
More examples
Tuve que tragar mi orgullo para pedir ayuda.
I had to swallow my pride to ask for help.
Core concept
A mouthful passing down the throat.
Common phrases
tragar saliva
swallow saliva
tragar la comida
swallow the food
tragar el orgullo
swallow one's pride
Similar words
comer: Takes food into the mouth, chews it, and swallows it.
beber: Takes liquid into the mouth and swallows it.
tragarse: Forcefully swallows something all the way to the back of the throat.
atragantarse: Gets something stuck in the throat and chokes, causing breathing difficulty.
Definition in Spanish
Empujar algo desde la boca por la garganta hasta el estómago; coloquialmente, contenerse o aceptar con resignación algo molesto.
Word origin
Derived from Vulgar Latin *tragāre via the noun trago 'gulp', the verb shifted from a physical act of swallowing to a figurative sense of putting up with something.
Usage tips
- When used reflexively ('tragarse'), the verb emphasizes internalizing or suppressing a reaction, so 'me lo tragué' can mean 'I forced myself to accept it' rather than just 'I swallowed it'.