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"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).
phrase
1.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
(informal)
(imperative; second person singular)
a. stretch
Estira los brazos.Stretch your arms.
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.
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encoger(
ehng
-
koh
-
hehr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to shrink
Encogí la tela mojándola.I shrunk the fabric by wetting it.
a. to hunch (back)
¿Cuál es esa postura de yoga en la que encoges la espalda como si fueras un gato?Which is that yoga position in which you hunch your back like a cat?
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
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(heart)
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.).
intransitive verb
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.).
pronominal verb
a. to shrink
La camisa se encogerá si la lavas con agua caliente.The shirt will shrink if you wash it in warm water.
a. to cringe
El soldado raso se encogió cuando oyó disparar los cañones enemigos.The private cringed when he heard the enemy cannons firing.
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