Verb
/ˈtʃo.kaɾ/
"Chocar" is a verb that primarily means to collide or crash into something. It can refer to physical collisions, for example, vehicles crashing together. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe conflicts or disagreements between people or ideas.
The frequency of use is relatively high in both oral and written contexts, but it is more commonly used in spoken language, especially in everyday conversations regarding accidents or disagreements.
The cars collided at the intersection.
Tuvimos un choque de ideas en la reunión.
We had a clash of ideas in the meeting.
Es peligroso chocar contra una pared mientras conduces.
"Chocar" is often used in Spanish idiomatic expressions that convey conflict, disagreement, or unexpected situations.
The team faced the reality of the problem head-on.
Chocar con la autoridad
His behavior caused him to clash with authority at work.
Chocar en opiniones
Sometimes, friends clash in opinions, but that is normal.
Chocar contra un muro
The project hit a wall of bureaucracy.
Chocar en la carretera
The word "chocar" originates from the Latin verb "coccare," which means "to cook" or "to strike." Over time, it evolved into its current form and meaning in the Spanish language.
This vocabulary range and usage illustrate the versatile use of "chocar" within both the general and legal contexts, especially involving conflicts of various kinds.