vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Estirar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to stretch", and "encoger" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to shrink". Learn more about the difference between "estirar" and "encoger" below.
estirar()
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to extend)
a. to stretch
El curtidor estiró la piel y la dejó sobre una roca para secarse.The tanner stretched the skin and left it on a rock to dry out.
b. to stretch out
Estiramos la cobija antes de ponerla en la cama.We stretched out the blanket before putting it on the bed.
c. to crane
La garceta estiró el cuello para alcanzar un pez.The egret craned its neck to reach a fish.
a. to smooth out
Estira la colcha para que no quede ninguna arruga.Smooth out the bedspread so there aren't any creases.
b. to iron out
Recomiendo que estires un poco el vestido antes de la gala.I recommend that you iron out the dress a little before the gala.
a. to stretch
¿Crees que puedas estirar tu paga para cubrir la renta?Do you think you can stretch your paycheck to cover the rent?
b. to make last
No sabe estirar su domingo; siempre lo gasta de inmediato.He doesn't know how to make his allowance last; he always spends it right away.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to grow)
a. to shoot up
De verdad han estirado estas plantas debido a las lluvias.These plants have really shot up due to the rain.
estirarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to grow)
a. to shoot up
¡Caray! Cómo se estiró Verónica desde la última vez que la vi.Wow! Veronica has really shot up since the last time I saw her.
encoger()
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.).
