The verb "inflar" means to fill something with air or gas, causing it to swell or expand. It is commonly used in both general and technical contexts, such as inflating tires, balloons, or medical apparatus. The frequency of use is moderate, and it is utilized both in oral speech and written forms, although technical usages may appear more in written contexts.
Inflar un globo puede ser divertido para los niños.
Inflating a balloon can be fun for children.
Es importante inflar las llantas del coche antes de un viaje largo.
It is important to inflate the car tires before a long trip.
El médico tuvo que inflar el balón del catéter para realizar el procedimiento.
The doctor had to inflate the catheter balloon to carry out the procedure.
Although "inflar" is not a dominant component of idiomatic expressions, it is still present in a few contexts that carry metaphorical meanings.
No hay que inflar las expectativas sin fundamento.
One should not inflate expectations without basis.
¿Por qué inflar el problema si podemos solucionarlo aquí?
Why inflate the problem if we can solve it here?
No me gusta inflar las historias; prefiero contar lo que realmente pasó.
I don't like to embellish stories; I prefer to tell what really happened.
The word "inflar" comes from the Latin "inflare," where "in-" means 'into' and "flare" means 'to blow' or 'to breathe.' The term reflects the action of blowing air into an object to make it larger or fuller.