vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Estira" is a form of "estira", a phrase which is often translated as "stretch". "Encoge" is a form of "encoger", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to shrink". Learn more about the difference between "estira" and "encoge" below.
estira
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (informal) (imperative; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
a. he stretches (masculine)
Fernando es tan alto que, cuando estira los brazos, puede tocar el techo.Fernando is so tall that, when he stretches his arms, he can touch the ceiling.
b. she stretches (feminine)
Martina dice que siempre estira las piernas antes y después de correr.Martina says she always stretches her legs before and after running.
encoger(
ehng
-
koh
-
hehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to tuck in (legs)
Si encoges las piernas y las rodeas con los brazos cuando estás en el aire, vas a girar más rápido.If you tuck your legs in when you're in the air, you will roll faster.
c. to make bleed (figurative) (heart)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
Ver la película sobre las focas bebés me encogió el corazón.Watching the movie about baby seals made my heart bleed.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to shrink
Mis pantalones encogieron con los lavados constantes.My pants shrunk due to the regular washing.
encogerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
