"Tapar" is commonly used in everyday Spanish to mean "to cover" or "to seal" something. It can refer to covering an object physically, like putting a lid on a pot, or metaphorically, like covering up a mistake. The frequency of use is quite high, as it is a basic verb encountered both in oral speech and written contexts.
Example Sentences
Debes tapar la olla para que la comida se cocine más rápido.
You should cover the pot so that the food cooks faster.
Voy a tapar el agujero en la pared con un clavo.
I am going to plug the hole in the wall with a nail.
Ella trató de tapar sus sentimientos, pero yo lo noté.
She tried to hide her feelings, but I noticed it.
Idiomatic Expressions
The verb "tapar" is integral to several idiomatic expressions in Spanish that convey varied meanings. Here are a few examples:
Tapar el sol con un dedo.
Literal Translation: To cover the sun with a finger.
Meaning: To try to hide or conceal something that is obvious.
Sentence: No puedes tapar el sol con un dedo; todos saben que hay problemas en la empresa.
You cannot cover the sun with a finger; everyone knows there are problems in the company.
Tapar algo con papel.
Literal Translation: To cover something with paper.
Meaning: To conceal the truth or hide evidence.
Sentence: No puedes tapar el hecho de que llegaste tarde, es obvio.
You can't cover up the fact that you arrived late; it's obvious.
Tapar la boca.
Literal Translation: To cover the mouth.
Meaning: To silence someone or prevent them from speaking.
Sentence: Intentaron tapar la boca a los críticos, pero su voz se hizo más fuerte.
They tried to silence the critics, but their voice grew louder.
Tapar el hueco.
Literal Translation: To cover the gap.
Meaning: To fill a vacancy or void, whether physically or metaphorically.
Sentence: Necesitamos tapar el hueco en la plantilla de empleados con alguien calificado.
We need to fill the gap in the employee roster with someone qualified.
Etymology
The verb "tapar" comes from the Latin word "tappa," which means a cover or lid. Over time, it evolved in the Spanish language to encompass the broader meaning of covering or concealing various objects and situations.