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

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /koˈxeaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To limp
• To hobble

Meaning and Use

The verb "cojear" refers to the action of limping or walking unevenly, usually due to pain or an injury in one leg. It is often used in both colloquial and general contexts, commonly in spoken language. The frequency of use is moderate, and it is more prevalent in oral communication than in written texts.

Example Sentences

1. Juan empezó a cojear después de torcerse el tobillo.

2. (Juan started to limp after twisting his ankle.)

3. No puedo correr porque me duele la pierna y empiezo a cojear.

4. (I can't run because my leg hurts and I start to limp.)

5. El perro comenzó a cojear cuando lo llevé al parque.

6. (The dog started to limp when I took him to the park.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"cojear" frequently appears in idiomatic expressions related to physical limitations, difficulties, or to symbolize weakness in a general sense. Here are some examples:

1. Cojear de un pie
2. Signifies having a disadvantage in a particular area.
3. Él cojea de un pie en matemáticas, siempre necesita ayuda.

4. (He limps on one foot in math; he always needs help.)

5. Cojear del lado derecho

6. Can mean to show vulnerabilities or weaknesses.
7. El proyecto cojea del lado derecho, necesitamos más recursos.

8. (The project limps on the right side; we need more resources.)

9. Cojear como una gallina

10. Refers to being overly cautious or hesitant.
11. No seas así, deja de cojear como una gallina y da el primer paso.

12. (Don’t be like that; stop limping like a chicken and take the first step.)

13. Cojear por el peso

14. Means carrying a heavy burden causing difficulties.
15. Cojear por el peso de las expectativas puede ser agotador.
16. (Limping under the weight of expectations can be exhausting.)

Etymology

The word "cojear" originates from the Spanish word "cojo," which means "lame" or "crippled." This, in turn, can be traced back to Latin "coxa," which refers to "hip" or "thigh." The evolution of the term illustrates the connection between physical impairment and the act of limping.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Mancar (to be crippled)

• Andar cojo (to walk lame)

• Antonyms:

• Correr (to run)
• Caminar (to walk)

This detailed breakdown of "cojear" provides a comprehensive understanding of its usage, meaning, and related expressions in the Spanish language.