jalar
pull
The Spanish word 'jalar' translates to 'pull' in English. It is used in the context of applying force to move something towards oneself. Just like in English, this Spanish verb can be used in a variety of situations such as pulling a door, a rope or even in a metaphorical sense as a pull of gravity.
Example sentences using: jalar
Ella jaló la puerta para abrirla.
She pulled the door to open it.
The verb 'jalar' in this context is used to indicate the action of pulling something. In this case, it refers to pulling the door to open it.
Él estaba jalando un carro pesado.
He was pulling a heavy cart.
Here, 'jalar' means to pull with some force or effort. The person described is doing the work of moving the heavy cart by pulling it.
Jala la cuerda para tocar la campana.
Pull the rope to ring the bell.
In this imperative sentence, 'jalar' is answering the question of how to make the bell ring. The answer is, by pulling the rope.
No puedes jalar más de lo que puedes aguantar.
You can't pull more than you can hold.
This is a metaphorical use of 'jalar', showing that it can be part of idiomatic expressions, not just literal pulling. Here, it's a warning about taking on more than you can handle.
Está jalando el gato por la cola.
He is pulling the cat by the tail.
The verb 'jalar' in this context refers to the action of pulling something. In this case, someone pulls a cat by the tail.
Tengo que jalar este informe hasta el final.
I have to pull this report through to the end.
This is an idiomatic use of 'jalar', speaking metaphorically about needing to complete a task (the report), implying sustained effort.
Para encender la lámpara, jala la cadena.
To turn on the lamp, pull the chain.
In this sentence, 'jalar' is the action needed to achieve a result - pulling the chain turns on the lamp.
Estoy jalando muy duro para salir adelante.
I am pulling very hard to get ahead.
A figurative usage of 'jalar', where it expresses the idea of making a strong effort or 'pulling' oneself in order to improve or succeed.
No dejes de jalar hasta que la puerta se cierre.
Don't stop pulling until the door closes.
In this context, 'jalar' refers to the continued action of pulling that is necessary in order to close the door.
Necesito jalar este cable para conectar la televisión.
I need to pull this cable to connect the television.
Here, 'jalar' is used to describe the action of moving a cable by pulling, with the goal of connecting the television.