tap
Middle English 'tappe', from Old English 'tæppe' meaning 'to strike, knock'.
NOUN
(1)
[/tæp/en-US]
grifo
literal
/
drenaje
common
/
válvula
common
/
tapon
common
/
concept sentence
untranslatable
(No direct equivalent concept in SPANISH)
A device, typically a faucet or spigot, used to control the flow of liquid, especially water, from a pipe or container.
| plural |
|---|
| taps |
- Please turn on the tap so I can wash my hands. — This sentence refers to opening the water faucet.
- The kitchen tap is dripping and needs to be repaired. — This sentence describes a faulty faucet in the kitchen.
- She filled the glass directly from the tap. — This sentence indicates that water was taken directly from the spigot.
VERB
(1)
[/tæp/en-US]
golpear
literal
/
dar
common
/
tocar
common
/
concept sentence
untranslatable
(There isn't a one-word verb equivalent in SPANISH that captures all nuances of 'tap'.)
To strike or hit something lightly and quickly, often producing a small sound or for the purpose of getting attention. This action implies a gentle or brief contact, rather than a forceful blow. While Spanish has verbs like 'golpear' (to hit), 'dar' (to give/hit), or 'tocar' (to touch), there isn't a single verb that consistently captures all the subtle nuances of 'to tap', such as the specific light impact, the sound it makes, or the intention (e.g., for rhythm, attention, or checking something's solidity).
irregular
| past | present_participle |
|---|---|
| tapped | tapping |
- He began to tap his fingers on the table impatiently. — This sentence describes a repetitive, light hitting action, showing impatience.
- She tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. — This sentence refers to a light touch to draw someone's notice.
- The doctor tapped the patient's knee with a small hammer during the examination. — This sentence illustrates a specific, light striking action for a medical purpose.