atragantar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/atraɣanˈtar/

Translation Options into English

• To choke
• To suffocate
• To strangle

Meaning and Usage

The verb "atragantar" in Spanish generally means to choke or to block the throat, often referring to the act of swallowing food or objects that obstruct breathing. It can also refer metaphorically to expressing something that becomes stuck in one's throat, such as emotions or words.

• Frequency of Use: "Atragantar" is less common in everyday conversation compared to variations or synonyms like "ahogar." It tends to be more prevalent in written language, especially in medical or formal contexts.
• Context: It is primarily used in discussions about health or unfortunate incidents, but can also reference difficulties in communication or emotional expression.

Example Sentences

1. Me atraganté con un trozo de carne y tuve que tomar agua para despejarme.

2. I choked on a piece of meat and had to drink water to clear my throat.

3. No quería que su disgusto se atragantara en su garganta, así que decidió hablarlo.

4. She didn't want her displeasure to choke her throat, so she decided to talk about it.

5. El niño se atragantó con un caramelito y su madre tuvo que ayudarle.

6. The boy choked on a candy, and his mother had to help him.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "atragantar" does not frequently appear in a wide array of idiomatic expressions, the concept behind it is often connected to communication and emotional barriers.

1. Atragantarse de palabras: Referido a cuando alguien no puede expresar lo que siente o piensa.
2. Ella se atraganta de palabras cuando trata de decirle que lo quiere.

3. She chokes on words when she tries to tell him she loves him.

4. Ahogarse en un vaso de agua: Significa tener problemas con situaciones que parecen simples, a menudo conectado con el concepto de atragantarse.

5. A veces creo que me ahogo en un vaso de agua con detalles que deberían ser insignificantes.

6. Sometimes I feel like I'm choking in a glass of water over details that should be insignificant.

7. No atragantarse con el pasado: Se refiere a no dejar que las experiencias pasadas interfieran con el presente.

8. Es importante no atragantarse con el pasado si queremos seguir adelante en la vida.
9. It is important not to choke on the past if we want to move forward in life.

Etymology

The verb "atragantar" comes from the Latin "tragare," which means to draw in or swallow. The prefix “a-” indicates movement toward or addition, effectively emphasizing the act of choking or suffocation in this context.

Synonyms

• Ahogar (to drown or suffocate)
• Estrangular (to strangle)
• Asfixiar (to asphyxiate)

Antonyms

• Liberar (to free)
• Desahogar (to relieve or unburden)
• Respirar (to breathe)

This comprehensive overview of "atragantar" showcases its multifaceted meaning and usage within the Spanish language, along with examples to illustrate its context effectively.