golpear

to hit

verb gohl-peh-AHR Less Common

Also means

to knock

Usage Note

Golpear is the standard verb for striking physically (golpeó la mesa) and also applies metaphorically (la crisis golpeó la economía). The related noun golpe means 'blow' or 'hit'. The fixed phrase golpe de estado is the Spanish term for a coup d'état.

Examples

"El niño golpeó la pelota con fuerza."

Natural Translation

The boy hit the ball hard.

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