The verb "majar" is commonly used in Spanish primarily in a colloquial context. It refers to the act of mashing, crushing, or breaking something into smaller pieces or a paste-like substance. The frequency of use is moderate, and it is often utilized more in oral speech than in written contexts, especially in informal conversations about cooking or preparing food.
Voy a majar los plátanos para hacer un batido.
(I am going to mash the bananas to make a smoothie.)
Es más fácil majar el ajo en un mortero.
(It is easier to crush the garlic in a mortar.)
Tienes que majar la carne antes de cocerla.
(You need to break the meat before cooking it.)
While "majar" itself may not be prominently featured in many idiomatic expressions, variations and related terms that incorporate the idea of crushing or mashing are more common. Here are a few examples:
Example: Después de toda esa tarea, estoy para majar.
(After all that homework, I'm feeling overwhelmed.)
Majar a alguien
Example: En el partido de ayer, nuestro equipo majaron a los contrarios.
(In yesterday's match, our team crushed the opponents.)
Majar las expectativas
Example: Es importante majar las expectativas antes del evento.
(It's important to lower expectations before the event.)
Majar el ritmo
The word "majar" derives from the Latin term "malacare," which means "to soften." This origin highlights the action of crushing or mashing substances until they lose their solid form.