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verbsCard 90 of 100

pegar

Pegar means to hit, to stick and to match — three unrelated meanings, plus a family of 'give a shout/jump' expressions.

pegar (hit/stick)

To hit someone or to glue/stick something.

  • No pegues a tu hermano.

    Don't hit your brother.

    Hitting. Pegar a + person.

  • Pega la foto en el álbum.

    Stick the photo in the album.

    Gluing. The noun is 'pegamento' = glue.

  • Se me ha pegado el arroz.

    The rice has stuck to the pan.

    Pegarse = to stick, to burn on the pan, or to catch (a habit).

pegar (match/idioms)

To go with or suit, and to deliver a physical action: a shout, a jump, a fright.

  • Esa camisa no pega con los pantalones.

    That shirt doesn't go with the trousers.

    Pegar con = to match. Informal.

  • Pegó un grito.

    He let out a shout.

    Pegar un grito/salto/susto/portazo = to shout, jump, frighten, slam.

  • Pega fuerte este verano.

    It's hitting hard this summer.

    Figurative: a trend or season arriving strongly.

Tricky bit

'Me he pegado con la puerta' = I bumped into the door. Whether pegar means 'hit' or 'stick' depends on context, and the reflexive adds a third reading: to catch something (pegarse un resfriado).