Learning Spanish words for what to do with your hands is like unlocking a secret code to a world of gesticulated magic. Imagine you’re a maestro, orchestrating a symphony of motions—think “abrir” (to open) as you dramatically fling open imaginary doors, or “cerrar” (to close) with a swift, final clap. And let’s not forget “lavar” (to wash), where you can practice your best hand-washing dance, and “secar” (to dry), which is your cue for an air-guitar solo with a towel. Mastering “aplaudir” (to clap) ensures you’re always the life of the party, while “escribir” (to write) gives you an air of scholarly mystery as you scribble invisible notes. Learning these words isn’t just educational; it’s a full-on performance art piece that makes your Spanish lessons a standing ovation-worthy experience!

acariciar — caress

 

agarrar — grab

 

aplaudir — clap

 

estripar — squeeze

 

frotar — rub

 

oprimir — press (like a button) or squeeze (like a strong handshake)

 

palmear — pat (like on the back)

 

pellizcar — pinch (like to hurt someone or to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming)

 

prensar — press

 

presionar — apply pressure to

 

rascar — scratch

 

sobar — rub

 

tocar — touch

 

torcer — twist

 

tocar musica — play music

 

tronar los dedos — snap your fingers

 

signo de paz — peace sign

 

saludar — greet

 

tocar a la puerta  — knock the door

THANK YOU!

Costa Rica Family Travel Guide for Smart Trips

Costa Rica Family Travel Guide for Smart Trips

The first time your child sees a monkey cross the road like it owns the place, Costa Rica stops being just a vacation and becomes a family story. That is the magic at the heart of any good Costa Rica family travel guide - this is a country where nature is not tucked...

Costa Rica Dry Season Versus Green Season

Costa Rica Dry Season Versus Green Season

At 3 p.m. in late September, the rain can roll over a Costa Rican hillside like clockwork - first a darkening sky, then a cool breeze, then a downpour so sudden and theatrical it stops conversations mid-sentence. In February, that same hillside might be baked gold...

Staff