encoger
shrink
The Spanish word 'encoger' translates to 'shrink' in English. It is generally utilized when talking about reduced size, decrease or contraction of some items, or even to suggest the act of pulling back in fear or concern. It can be used in diverse situations and objects including describing clothes that become smaller when washed in high temperatures, or people who shrink back due to cold weather or fear.
Example sentences using: encoger
Se va a encoger la ropa si la lavas con agua caliente.
The clothes will shrink if you wash them with hot water.
This example shows the use of 'encoger' to express that a physical object, in this case clothes, will reduce in size, usually because of an external factor, such as hot water.
Alicia se encoge de miedo al ver una araña.
Alice shrinks in fear when she sees a spider.
In this example, 'encoger' is used to describe someone's physical reaction to fear. By saying 'Alicia se encoge de miedo', we are implying that Alice makes herself smaller as a response to fear, a common nonverbal way to express discomfort or fear.
Nos tuvimos que encoger para pasar por la puerta baja.
We had to shrink to pass through the low door.
Here, 'encoger' is used to express the action of reducing one's size or posture in order to navigate through a small space. This usage of 'encoger' often implies a temporary action done purposefully to avoid an obstacle.