Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb 12 min de lecture

aflojar

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces aflojar en 30 secondes

Explication aflojar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic physical meaning of 'aflojar'. Think of it as the opposite of 'apretar' (to tighten). You use it when something is too tight on your body or when you are doing simple tasks. For example, if your shoes are too tight, you need to 'aflojar los cordones' (loosen the laces). If your pants feel small after eating, you 'aflojas el cinturón' (loosen the belt). At this stage, don't worry about the abstract meanings. Just remember it for physical things that have tension. It is a regular '-ar' verb, so it conjugates just like 'hablar' or 'cantar'. This makes it very easy to use in the present tense: 'Yo aflojo', 'Tú aflojas', 'Él afloja'. Practice using it with common nouns like 'corbata' (tie), 'nudo' (knot), and 'tornillo' (screw). This will give you a solid foundation for more complex uses later on. Imagine you are helping someone in the kitchen or the garage; 'aflojar' is the word you need when something is stuck because it's too tight. It's a very practical 'action' word for your early Spanish vocabulary.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'aflojar' in a wider variety of everyday situations. You might hear it used to describe the weather or physical sensations. For instance, when a hot day starts to cool down, people might say 'el calor está aflojando'. This means the intensity of the heat is decreasing. You also start to use the reflexive form 'aflojarse'. This is important for describing things that happen by themselves. If your shoelace comes undone while you are walking, you say 'se me aflojó el cordón'. Notice how the 'se' indicates that it happened 'to' you or 'by itself'. You can also use 'aflojar' to tell someone to relax or take it easy in a simple way. If a friend is being too intense, you might say '¡Afloja un poco!'. This is a step up from A1 because you are moving from purely physical objects to describing the intensity of situations and using more complex grammatical structures like the reflexive and the imperative. It's a great word for describing your daily environment and how things change throughout the day.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'aflojar' in figurative and abstract contexts. This is where the word becomes really useful for expressing nuances in effort and discipline. You will use it to talk about 'easing up' on your work, studies, or training. For example, 'No podemos aflojar ahora que el proyecto está por terminar' (We can't ease up now that the project is about to finish). You will also encounter the preposition 'en' frequently with this verb, as in 'aflojar en el esfuerzo'. At this level, you should also be aware of common colloquial expressions involving money, like 'aflojar la mosca' (to cough up the money). This shows a deeper cultural understanding. You are also expected to distinguish between 'aflojar' and its synonyms like 'relajar' or 'soltar' more accurately. You understand that 'aflojar' is about reducing tension, while 'soltar' is about complete release. This level of precision is what separates a B1 learner from a beginner. You can now use 'aflojar' to describe complex social dynamics, like a boss becoming less strict or a government loosening regulations.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, you use 'aflojar' with a high degree of naturalness and can handle its use in professional or idiomatic settings. You understand its role in describing economic trends, such as 'aflojar las restricciones comerciales' (loosening trade restrictions) or 'aflojar los tipos de interés' (easing interest rates). You can use it to discuss political or social pressure, describing how a regime might 'aflojar la represión' or how a protest might 'aflojar su fuerza'. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to use 'aflojar' as a way to vary your speech, choosing it over more basic words like 'bajar' or 'reducir' to provide a more vivid image of tension being released. You are also familiar with regional variations; for instance, you know that in some Latin American countries, 'aflojar' can have specific slang meanings. You can participate in debates about work-life balance and use 'aflojar el ritmo' to describe the need for a slower pace of life. Your grasp of the reflexive 'aflojarse' is now perfect, allowing you to describe mechanical processes or health issues (like 'se le aflojó una articulación') with technical accuracy.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you appreciate the stylistic and literary nuances of 'aflojar'. You can use it to create precise metaphors in your writing and speaking. You might describe a character's resolve 'aflojando' in a novel or a philosophical argument 'aflojando sus premisas'. You understand the subtle difference between 'aflojar' and more formal verbs like 'languidecer' or 'amainar' and choose between them based on the desired register. You are also fully aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you understand its use in older texts or specific dialects. In professional negotiations, you use 'aflojar' strategically to describe a concession without making it sound like a total defeat ('Hemos decidido aflojar un poco nuestras demandas iniciales'). You can handle complex grammatical structures involving the verb, such as using it in the subjunctive to express hypothetical scenarios of easing pressure. Your use of the word is no longer just about communication; it's about precision, tone, and cultural resonance. You can detect the irony when someone uses 'aflojar' in a sarcastic way and can respond in kind.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, 'aflojar' is a tool you use with the same dexterity as a native speaker. You have a complete command of all its idiomatic, technical, and regional uses. You can use it in academic contexts to describe the 'loosening' of structural bonds in chemistry or the 'easing' of social norms in sociology. You are comfortable with its most obscure regional slang and can switch registers effortlessly—from the rough 'aflojá la guita' of a street-level interaction to the refined 'la tensión dialéctica empezó a aflojar' in a high-level academic discussion. You understand the word's place within the broader system of the Spanish language, including its relationships with Latin roots and its evolution across the Spanish-speaking world. You can analyze the use of 'aflojar' in poetry or classical literature, noting how it contributes to the rhythm and imagery of a passage. At this level, the word is part of your intuitive linguistic repertoire; you don't 'think' about using it, you simply 'feel' when it is the most expressive and accurate choice for the myriad of situations you navigate in a Spanish-speaking environment.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

aflojar en 30 secondes

Aflojar means to loosen physical objects like screws, knots, or clothing items that feel too tight.
It is used figuratively to mean 'easing up' on effort, rules, or the intensity of weather conditions.
In slang, it often refers to 'coughing up' money or revealing information under social or physical pressure.
Grammatically, it is a regular -ar verb and frequently appears in its reflexive form, 'aflojarse', for spontaneous loosening.

The Spanish verb aflojar is a versatile and essential term that primarily describes the act of reducing tension, pressure, or tightness. At its most literal level, it refers to physical objects. Imagine you are wearing a belt that is too tight after a large meal; you would need to aflojar el cinturón. Or perhaps you are working on a mechanical project and a bolt is fastened too securely; your goal is to aflojar el tornillo. This physical dimension is the foundation upon which all other meanings are built, emphasizing the transition from a state of constriction to one of relative freedom or slackness.

Physical Tension: This involves loosening knots, screws, ropes, or clothing. It is the most common use for beginners to master, as it relates to everyday manual tasks and personal comfort.

Por favor, ayúdame a aflojar esta cuerda porque el nudo está muy apretado.

Beyond the physical, aflojar moves into the realm of effort and intensity. If someone is working extremely hard or running a race at a breakneck pace, and they begin to slow down or lose their drive, we say they are aflojando. In a pedagogical or professional context, a teacher might warn a student not to aflojar en sus estudios (slacken in their studies) as the final exams approach. This figurative use is crucial for intermediate learners who want to describe the ebb and flow of human perseverance and discipline.

Emotional and Social Release: It can also refer to relaxing one's stance in an argument or becoming less strict. If a parent decides to be less rigorous with house rules, they are 'aflojando la mano'.

El jefe tuvo que aflojar un poco la disciplina para mejorar la moral del equipo.

Finally, we see aflojar used in environmental contexts, specifically regarding the weather. When a storm loses its intensity or the scorching heat of the afternoon begins to fade, Spanish speakers use this verb. 'El calor está aflojando' implies a welcome relief from the sun's bite. This breadth of usage—from a literal screwdriver to the metaphorical pressure of a heatwave—makes it a high-frequency verb that adds significant texture to a learner's vocabulary. Understanding the core concept of 'releasing tension' allows you to decode its meaning in almost any situation, whether you are in a hardware store, a boardroom, or a casual conversation at a café.

Financial Slang: Phrases like 'aflojar la mosca' or 'aflojar la pasta' are very common in Spain and parts of Latin America to mean 'to pay up' or 'to release the cash'.

Si quieres comprar ese coche, vas a tener que aflojar mucho dinero.

Después de la tormenta, el viento empezó a aflojar gradualmente.

Using aflojar correctly requires an understanding of its transitive and intransitive nature. As a transitive verb, it takes a direct object—the thing that is being loosened. For example, 'Afloja los cordones' (Loosen the laces). Here, the action is directed at the laces. This is the most straightforward grammatical application. It follows the standard conjugation patterns for regular -ar verbs, which makes it relatively easy for A2 learners to integrate into their speech without worrying about irregular stem changes in the present tense.

Transitive Usage: Directing the loosening action toward an object, such as a tie, a screw, or even a rule. Example: 'Afloja la corbata, estás en confianza'.

No olvides aflojar los tornillos antes de intentar mover la pieza de metal.

When used intransitively, the verb often describes a decrease in intensity or strength without needing a direct object. This is common when talking about weather, pain, or social pressure. You might say, 'La fiebre está aflojando' (The fever is subsiding). In this case, the fever is the subject performing the action of 'loosening' its grip on the patient. This nuance is vital for sounding natural in Spanish, as it avoids the need for more complex passive constructions or wordy explanations.

Intransitive Usage: Used when the intensity of a situation or condition diminishes. Example: 'La lluvia por fin empezó a aflojar después de tres horas'.

Si el ritmo de trabajo no afloja, todos terminaremos muy cansados esta semana.

The reflexive form, aflojarse, is used when something becomes loose by itself or as an unintended consequence. A classic example is a screw that 'se afloja' due to vibrations, or a knot that 'se afloja' because the rope is slippery. It shifts the focus from an external agent to the object itself. For learners, mastering the reflexive vs. non-reflexive distinction is a key step toward B1 proficiency. It allows for more precise descriptions of mechanical failure or gradual changes in physical state.

Reflexive Form (Aflojarse): Focuses on the thing becoming loose spontaneously. Example: 'Se me aflojaron los dientes de leche cuando era niño'.

Ten cuidado, parece que el cinturón de seguridad se ha aflojado un poco.

¡No aflojes ahora que estamos tan cerca de la meta!

In the real world, aflojar is a word that bridges the gap between the workshop and the living room. If you visit a local 'taller' (mechanic shop) in Spain or Mexico, you will hear it constantly. Mechanics use it to describe every bolt, nut, and cable that needs adjustment. It is a technical necessity. However, if you step into a family home during a heatwave, you'll hear the same word used for the weather. 'Cuando afloje el sol, salimos a caminar' (When the sun eases up, we'll go for a walk) is a ubiquitous phrase in Mediterranean and Latin American cultures where the midday heat dictates the rhythm of life.

The Workshop Context: Essential for DIY, mechanics, and construction. It is the opposite of 'apretar' (to tighten). You'll hear it in instructions and safety warnings.

Usa la llave inglesa para aflojar la tuerca en sentido contrario a las agujas del reloj.

Sports and physical training provide another common arena for this verb. Coaches and trainers use aflojar to describe a drop in performance or intensity. During a football match, a commentator might note that a team has 'aflojado el ritmo' in the second half, allowing their opponents to gain ground. This usage is vital for anyone following Hispanic sports media or participating in local sports clubs. It conveys a sense of losing momentum or failing to maintain the necessary pressure to win.

Sports and Competition: Refers to a decrease in speed, stamina, or competitive drive. It's often used as a warning: '¡No aflojes ahora!'.

El ciclista empezó a aflojar justo antes de llegar a la cima de la montaña.

In the world of finance and social negotiations, 'aflojar' takes on a more cynical but very common tone. It refers to the act of yielding money or resources, often reluctantly. Whether it's a government 'aflojando los fondos' for a project or a friend 'aflojando la mosca' for their share of the dinner bill, the word implies a release of something that was being held tight. In movies or crime dramas, you might hear a kidnapper or a thief tell someone to 'aflojar la guita' (hand over the money), showing how the word scales from polite requests to aggressive demands.

Colloquial and Slang: Used in informal speech to describe paying money or revealing a secret. It carries a slightly forceful or humorous connotation depending on the context.

Al final, mi hermano tuvo que aflojar y prestarme su consola de videojuegos.

El dolor de muelas por fin empezó a aflojar después de tomar la medicina.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with aflojar is confusing it with soltar (to let go). While they are related, soltar implies a complete release of grip, whereas aflojar usually means just reducing the tension while still maintaining some connection. For example, if you are holding a dog's leash, aflojar la correa means giving the dog more slack, but soltar la correa means letting the leash go entirely so the dog can run away. Confusing these can lead to significant misunderstandings in physical or safety-critical situations.

Aflojar vs. Soltar: Aflojar is to slacken or loosen; Soltar is to release or let go completely. Think of it as a matter of degree.

Incorrecto: Solté los tornillos un poco. (Correcto: Aflojé los tornillos un poco).

Another common pitfall is using aflojar when relajar (to relax) is more appropriate. While 'relajar' is used for people and muscles, 'aflojar' is used for objects and intensity of actions. You wouldn't typically say 'aflojar' to tell someone to relax mentally after a stressful day; you would say 'relájate'. However, you could say 'afloja los músculos' if you are a physical therapist. The distinction is subtle but important for achieving a natural-sounding Spanish. English speakers often over-rely on 'relajar' because of the cognate 'relax', missing the opportunity to use the more precise 'aflojar' for mechanical or situational contexts.

Aflojar vs. Relajar: Relajar is primarily for the mind and body; Aflojar is for tension in objects or the intensity of an activity.

Incorrecto: El calor se relajó por la tarde. (Correcto: El calor aflojó por la tarde).

Learners also struggle with the reflexive usage. They might say 'El nudo aflojó' when they should say 'El nudo se aflojó'. In Spanish, if something changes its state without an obvious person doing it, the reflexive 'se' is often required to indicate the process. Without the 'se', the sentence might sound incomplete or as if the knot were an active agent. Mastery of this 'se accidental' or 'se process' is a hallmark of moving into the intermediate levels of Spanish proficiency. Finally, avoid using 'aflojar' to mean 'to lose' a game; although the team might have 'aflojado' (eased up), the result is 'perder'.

Missing the Reflexive 'Se': When an object becomes loose on its own, you must use 'se'. Example: 'Se me aflojó el zapato'.

Incorrecto: Mi cinturón aflojó después de correr. (Correcto: Mi cinturón se aflojó...).

Incorrecto: ¡No aflojes la pelota! (Correcto: ¡No sueltes la pelota!).

To truly master aflojar, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and how they differ in flavor and context. One common alternative is destensar. While 'aflojar' is general, 'destensar' specifically refers to removing tension, often in a physical or psychological sense (like 'destensar los músculos' or 'destensar el ambiente'). It sounds a bit more technical or formal than 'aflojar'. Another close relative is languidecer, which means to grow weak or lose vigor, but it is much more literary and wouldn't be used for a screw or a belt.

Aflojar vs. Destensar: Aflojar is the everyday word for loosening; Destensar is more specific to removing tension from a wire, a muscle, or a social situation.

El fisioterapeuta trabajó para destensar mi espalda, mientras que yo solo quería aflojarme la camisa.

In terms of figurative 'easing up', ceder (to yield) is a powerful alternative. While 'aflojar' suggests a reduction in intensity, 'ceder' suggests giving in to pressure or an opponent. If a negotiator 'afloja', they are becoming less strict; if they 'ceden', they have actually granted a point to the other side. For weather, you might hear amainar. This is a beautiful verb used specifically for wind or rain. You would say 'la lluvia amaina' to sound more sophisticated than 'la lluvia afloja', though both are perfectly correct and common in different registers.

Aflojar vs. Amainar: Aflojar is versatile; Amainar is specifically for the subsiding of a storm, wind, or sea. Use amainar for a more 'nautical' or poetic feel.

Esperamos a que amainara el temporal antes de salir del puerto.

Finally, consider ablandar (to soften). This is used when something hard becomes soft, but it is also used metaphorically for people's hearts or attitudes. If you 'aflojas' your stance, you are being less rigid; if you 'ablandas' someone, you have made them more sympathetic or emotional. Understanding these shades of meaning allows you to choose the exact right word for the emotional or physical 'loosening' you wish to describe. By comparing aflojar to these alternatives, you see that it is the most flexible, 'all-purpose' verb in the family of words dealing with the reduction of tightness and force.

Aflojar vs. Ablandar: Aflojar relates to tension and tightness; Ablandar relates to hardness and emotional resistance. You aflojar a screw, but you ablandar butter or a person's resolve.

Intenté ablandar a mi padre con un regalo, pero no quiso aflojar el castigo.

El mecanismo empezó a ceder después de que aflojamos la tensión de los cables.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"Se recomienda aflojar las tensiones diplomáticas."

Neutre

"Tienes que aflojar los tornillos de la base."

Informel

"¡Afloja un poco, tío, que estás muy tenso!"

Child friendly

"Vamos a aflojar los cordones de tus zapatitos."

Argot

"Aflojá la guita de una vez."

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'flojo' also gives us 'flojera', which is the common Spanish word for 'laziness' or 'lethargy'. So when you 'aflojar', you are literally making something 'lazy' or 'weak' in its grip.

Guide de prononciation

UK /afloˈxaɾ/

US /afloˈhar/

The stress is on the last syllable 'jar' because it ends in 'r' and has no written accent.

Rime avec

cantar hablar llegar mirar pensar tomar viajar trabajar

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'j' like the English 'j' in 'jump'. It should be an 'h' sound.
Putting the stress on the first or second syllable.
Not trilling the final 'r' slightly.
Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'go' (diphthong). It should be a pure 'o' sound.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'aflojo' (where stress is on 'flo').

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context due to its regular form.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of when to use the reflexive 'se'.

Expression orale 3/5

The 'j' sound and 'r' ending need practice for fluency.

Écoute 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

flojo apretar nudo tornillo cinturón

Apprends ensuite

amainar destensar ceder soltar ablandar

Avancé

languidecer atenuar mitigar relajar distender

Grammaire à connaître

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Yo aflojo, Tú aflojas, Él afloja...

Reflexive Pronouns for Spontaneous Actions

Se aflojó el tornillo solo.

Preposition 'en' with abstract loosening

No aflojes en tu fe.

Imperative Mood for Commands

¡Afloja la cuerda!

Infinitive after 'poder' or 'tener que'

Tienes que aflojar el paso.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

Tengo que aflojar mis zapatos.

I have to loosen my shoes.

Aflojar is used here as a simple infinitive after 'tengo que'.

Afloja el cinturón, por favor.

Loosen the belt, please.

Imperative form (tú) of the verb aflojar.

Él afloja el nudo de la corbata.

He loosens the knot of the tie.

Present tense, third person singular.

No puedo aflojar este tornillo.

I can't loosen this screw.

Use of 'poder' + infinitive.

Aflojamos las cuerdas de la guitarra.

We loosen the guitar strings.

Present tense, first person plural.

¿Puedes aflojar la tapa del frasco?

Can you loosen the lid of the jar?

Question form with 'poder'.

Ella afloja la bufanda porque tiene calor.

She loosens the scarf because she is hot.

Present tense showing a physical action.

Afloja la mano, no aprietes tanto.

Loosen your hand, don't squeeze so much.

Negative imperative 'no aprietes' used as a contrast.

El calor afloja un poco por la tarde.

The heat eases up a bit in the afternoon.

Intransitive use referring to weather intensity.

Se me aflojó un diente ayer.

A tooth of mine became loose yesterday.

Reflexive 'se' used for a spontaneous process.

¡Afloja, que vas muy rápido!

Slow down, you're going too fast!

Colloquial imperative meaning 'slow down' or 'ease up'.

La lluvia empezó a aflojar a las diez.

The rain started to let up at ten.

Infinitive after 'empezar a'.

Se aflojaron los tornillos de la silla.

The screws of the chair became loose.

Reflexive plural form.

Tienes que aflojar el paso si estás cansado.

You have to slow your pace if you are tired.

'Aflojar el paso' is a common idiom for slowing down.

El perro aflojó la mordida.

The dog loosened its bite.

Preterite tense, third person singular.

Afloja un poco la cuerda para que el perro camine.

Loosen the rope a bit so the dog can walk.

Instructional imperative.

No aflojes en tus estudios ahora que falta poco.

Don't slacken in your studies now that there's little left.

Negative imperative 'no aflojes' + preposition 'en'.

El jefe por fin aflojó con las reglas de la oficina.

The boss finally eased up on the office rules.

Figurative use meaning 'to become less strict'.

Tuve que aflojar la mosca para pagar la multa.

I had to cough up the money to pay the fine.

Idiomatic expression 'aflojar la mosca'.

Si aflojas la tensión, la cuerda se romperá.

If you loosen the tension, the rope will break.

Conditional sentence 'si' + present.

El dolor de cabeza aflojó después de la siesta.

The headache subsided after the nap.

Preterite tense used for a finished state change.

Afloja los músculos antes de empezar el ejercicio.

Loosen your muscles before starting the exercise.

Plural direct object 'los músculos'.

La empresa no puede aflojar el ritmo de producción.

The company cannot slow down the production pace.

'Aflojar el ritmo' is a professional collocation.

Parece que la tormenta está aflojando por el norte.

It seems the storm is letting up from the north.

Present progressive 'está aflojando'.

El gobierno decidió aflojar las restricciones sanitarias.

The government decided to loosen the health restrictions.

Formal usage in a political/social context.

No debemos aflojar la vigilancia en la frontera.

We must not relax the surveillance at the border.

Abstract noun 'la vigilancia' as a direct object.

Afloja un poco la presión sobre el pedal del freno.

Ease off the pressure on the brake pedal a bit.

Technical instruction for driving.

El banco central podría aflojar su política monetaria.

The central bank could ease its monetary policy.

Conditional 'podría' + infinitive in an economic context.

Se le aflojaron las piernas por el miedo.

His legs went weak with fear.

Reflexive 'se' + indirect object 'le' for an involuntary reaction.

Si aflojas la mano con los niños, se portarán mal.

If you are too lenient with the children, they will misbehave.

Idiom 'aflojar la mano' (to be lenient).

La demanda de petróleo no parece aflojar este año.

The demand for oil does not seem to be easing this year.

Intransitive use in a global economic context.

Tuvimos que aflojar el presupuesto para el marketing.

We had to loosen the marketing budget.

Abstract usage meaning 'to increase available funds'.

La rigidez del protocolo empezó a aflojar con el tiempo.

The rigidity of the protocol began to loosen over time.

Abstract subject 'la rigidez' and metaphorical use.

El autor no afloja la tensión narrativa en toda la novela.

The author does not let up the narrative tension in the whole novel.

Literary analysis context.

Es necesario que el fiscal afloje sus exigencias iniciales.

It is necessary for the prosecutor to ease their initial demands.

Subjunctive mood 'afloje' after 'es necesario que'.

La estructura del edificio se aflojó tras el sismo.

The building's structure loosened after the earthquake.

Passive reflexive for structural damage.

No podemos permitir que afloje el compromiso social.

We cannot allow the social commitment to slacken.

Subjunctive 'afloje' expressing a wish/prevention.

Aflojó la rienda para que el caballo pudiera galopar.

He loosened the rein so the horse could gallop.

Specific equestrian terminology.

Al aflojar el nudo de la discordia, la paz regresó al pueblo.

By untying the knot of discord, peace returned to the village.

Gerund construction 'Al aflojar' (Upon loosening).

La crisis económica no afloja su garra sobre el país.

The economic crisis does not loosen its grip on the country.

Personification of 'crisis' as having a 'garra' (claw/grip).

La dialéctica hegeliana parece aflojar en este punto del ensayo.

The Hegelian dialectic seems to slacken at this point in the essay.

Highly academic/philosophical register.

Aflojar los vínculos de la tradición puede ser peligroso.

Loosening the bonds of tradition can be dangerous.

Sociological/philosophical context.

El frío no afloja ni un ápice a pesar de estar en primavera.

The cold doesn't ease up one bit despite being in spring.

Use of the idiom 'ni un ápice' (not a bit/jot).

Si el sistema afloja su entropía, alcanzará el equilibrio.

If the system loosens its entropy, it will reach equilibrium.

Scientific/technical usage.

La prosa del autor afloja en el tercer acto, perdiendo ritmo.

The author's prose slackens in the third act, losing rhythm.

Critical literary register.

Tuvo que aflojar la cuerda de su propia ambición para ser feliz.

He had to loosen the rope of his own ambition to be happy.

Introspective/poetic metaphor.

No aflojes la mano férrea con la que diriges el imperio.

Do not loosen the iron hand with which you rule the empire.

Archaic/epic register with the adjective 'férrea'.

La presión osmótica aflojó al equilibrarse las soluciones.

The osmotic pressure eased as the solutions balanced.

Advanced scientific context.

Collocations courantes

aflojar un tornillo

aflojar el paso

aflojar el ritmo

aflojar el cinturón

aflojar la cuerda

aflojar la mosca

aflojar los músculos

aflojar la mano

aflojar la presión

aflojar las riendas

Phrases Courantes

No aflojes

— Don't give up or don't slow down. Encouragement to keep working hard.

¡No aflojes ahora, ya casi terminas!

Aflojar la guita

— To hand over the money. Very common in Argentina and Uruguay.

Tuvo que aflojar la guita para el arreglo del coche.

Aflojar el bolsillo

— To spend money or be generous with cash. Similar to paying up.

A mi tío le cuesta aflojar el bolsillo.

Aflojar los tornillos

— To literally loosen screws, but can also mean to make someone lose their sanity colloquially.

Ese trabajo le está aflojando los tornillos.

Aflojar la lengua

— To start talking or reveal secrets, often due to alcohol or pressure.

Después de dos copas, aflojó la lengua y nos contó todo.

Aflojar el cuerpo

— To relax the body completely, often in a meditative or physical therapy context.

Cierra los ojos y afloja el cuerpo.

Aflojar la marcha

— To slow down while driving or in a process. Reducing speed.

El coche aflojó la marcha al ver el semáforo.

Aflojar la tensión

— To reduce the level of stress or conflict in a situation.

Su chiste sirvió para aflojar la tensión en la reunión.

Aflojar el nudo

— To untie or loosen a knot, physically or metaphorically (solving a problem).

Por fin pudimos aflojar el nudo del conflicto familiar.

Aflojar la vigilancia

— To become less alert or reduce security measures.

No debemos aflojar la vigilancia nocturna.

Souvent confondu avec

aflojar vs soltar

Aflojar is to loosen; soltar is to let go completely.

aflojar vs relajar

Relajar is for people/mind; aflojar is for tension/objects/intensity.

aflojar vs ablandar

Ablandar is to make soft (texture); aflojar is to make loose (tension).

Expressions idiomatiques

"Aflojar la mosca"

— To pay money, usually reluctantly or after being asked several times.

Si quieres ir al concierto, tendrás que aflojar la mosca.

informal

"Aflojar la pasta"

— Same as 'aflojar la mosca', very common in Spain.

El gobierno tuvo que aflojar la pasta para las becas.

slang

"Aflojar los esfínteres"

— To lose control of one's bowels, usually due to extreme fear.

Del susto que se llevó, casi afloja los esfínteres.

vulgar/colloquial

"Aflojar la mano"

— To become less strict or to be more generous with money.

El padre aflojó la mano y le dio permiso para salir.

neutral

"Aflojar el paso"

— To slow down one's walking or working speed.

No aflojes el paso, que perdemos el tren.

neutral

"Aflojar la cincha"

— To relax pressure, originally from horse riding (loosening the girth).

Después del examen, por fin pudo aflojar la cincha.

figurative

"Aflojar la cuerda"

— To give someone more freedom or less supervision.

A veces hay que aflojar la cuerda con los adolescentes.

figurative

"Aflojar el galope"

— To slow down a fast-moving situation or process.

La empresa tuvo que aflojar el galope de sus inversiones.

literary

"Aflojar la guita"

— To hand over cash (Rioplatense Spanish).

¡Aflojá la guita o llamo a la policía!

slang

"Aflojar los remos"

— To stop working hard or stop making an effort (literally 'to loosen the oars').

Al final de la jornada, todos aflojaron los remos.

figurative

Facile à confondre

aflojar vs Aflojar

Often confused with 'soltar'.

Aflojar means reducing tension while maintaining a connection. Soltar means releasing the connection entirely.

Afloja la correa del perro (Give him more slack). Suelta la correa (Let him run free).

aflojar vs Relajar

Both mean 'to loosen up' in English.

Relajar is used for emotional states or muscular relaxation without mechanical tension. Aflojar is for mechanical tension or intensity of action.

Relájate un poco (Relax your mind). Afloja el nudo (Loosen the knot).

aflojar vs Bajar

Both can mean 'to decrease'.

Bajar is general for position or quantity. Aflojar specifically implies a reduction in force or tension.

Baja el volumen (Lower the volume). El viento afloja (The wind loses force).

aflojar vs Ceder

Both involve 'giving in'.

Ceder is the act of yielding a position. Aflojar is the act of being less strict or reducing pressure.

Ceder el paso (Yield the way). Aflojar las reglas (Loosen the rules).

aflojar vs Amainar

Both describe weather easing.

Amainar is specific to wind/sea/storms and is more formal/literary. Aflojar is more common and general.

La lluvia amaina (Formal). El calor afloja (Common).

Structures de phrases

Aflojar + [physical object]

Aflojar los zapatos.

[Weather] + afloja

El calor afloja.

No aflojar + en + [noun]

No aflojar en el trabajo.

Aflojar + la mano/las riendas

Aflojar las riendas del negocio.

Aflojar + [abstract concept]

Aflojar la tensión narrativa.

Aflojar + [archaic/literary object]

Aflojar los vínculos de la estirpe.

Aflojar + la mosca/guita

Él tuvo que aflojar la mosca.

Se + [object] + aflojó

Se me aflojó el cinturón.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in daily life, especially regarding manual tasks, weather, and effort.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'aflojar' to mean 'to lose'. → Perder.
You might 'aflojar el ritmo' (ease the pace) and then 'perder' (lose) the race, but they aren't the same.
Using 'aflojar' for 'relaxing' the mind. → Relajarse.
Aflojar is for tension/intensity; relajar is for the state of mind or body.
Forgetting the 'se' for spontaneous actions. → Se aflojó el tornillo.
Without 'se', it sounds like the screw performed the action on something else.
Confusing 'aflojar' with 'soltar'. → Aflojar (loosen), Soltar (release).
If you 'sueltas' a rope, you no longer hold it. If you 'aflojas', you still have it but with less tension.
Misconjugating as an irregular verb. → Aflojo (not afluejo).
It is a regular -ar verb, so the 'o' does not change to 'ue'.

Astuces

A-Flow-Jar

Imagine you are trying to open a tight jar. You need to create 'a flow' of movement to 'aflojar' the lid.

Reflexive Use

Use 'se aflojó' for things that happen by accident. 'Se me aflojó el zapato' (My shoe became loose on me).

Money Slang

In Spain, use 'aflojar la pasta'. In Latin America, 'aflojar la guita' or 'la mosca' is more common.

Opposites

Always learn 'aflojar' alongside 'apretar' (to tighten). They are a perfect pair for manual tasks.

Soft 'J'

Don't over-pronounce the 'j'. It should be a soft, breathy sound like the English 'h' but slightly raspier.

Weather Intensity

Use 'aflojar' for heat, rain, and wind. It's the most natural way to say the weather is getting better.

No Aflojes

Use '¡No aflojes!' as a motivational phrase for friends who are studying or training hard.

Formal vs Informal

In a job interview, don't say 'aflojar el ritmo'. Use 'reducir la intensidad' to sound more professional.

Detecting Concessions

In negotiations, if someone says 'podemos aflojar', it's a good sign—they are ready to compromise.

Concrete to Abstract

Start by practicing 'aflojar' with physical nouns before moving to abstract concepts like 'disciplina'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'a flow' (aflo-). When you loosen a screw, you let the energy 'flow' out of the tension. Aflojar = A Flow of Jar (opening a jar).

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant wrench loosening a rusty bolt on a 'flooding' (aflo-) pipe.

Word Web

tornillo cinturón nudo ritmo esfuerzo calor dinero cuerda

Défi

Try to use 'aflojar' in three different ways today: one for a physical object, one for the weather, and one for your own effort.

Origine du mot

From the Spanish word 'flojo' (loose/weak), which comes from the Latin 'fluxus' (flowing, loose).

Sens originel : The original sense was to make something 'flojo' or to release it from a state of tension.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

Be careful with 'aflojar los esfínteres' as it is crude. Also, 'aflojar la mosca' is very informal and might be rude in a formal business meeting.

English speakers often use 'loosen up' or 'ease off', which map perfectly to 'aflojar'.

In various 'telenovelas', characters are told to 'aflojar la verdad' (reveal the truth). Mechanics' manuals in Spanish use 'aflojar' as the standard technical term. Songs in the 'Salsa' or 'Reggaeton' genres often use 'afloja' to refer to dancing or letting go of inhibitions.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Mechanical Work

Aflojar la tuerca
Aflojar el perno
Aflojar con cuidado
Sentido para aflojar

Clothing/Comfort

Aflojar el nudo
Aflojar la corbata
Aflojar el cinturón
Aflojar los cordones

Weather

El calor afloja
La lluvia afloja
El viento afloja
Cuando afloje el sol

Effort/Studies

No aflojes
Aflojar el ritmo
Aflojar en el estudio
Aflojar el esfuerzo

Money (Slang)

Aflojar la mosca
Aflojar la guita
Aflojar la pasta
Aflojar el bolsillo

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que el profesor va a aflojar con la tarea este fin de semana?"

"¿Cuándo crees que va a aflojar este calor tan horrible?"

"¿Me ayudas a aflojar este tornillo? Está muy duro."

"¿Por qué decidiste aflojar el ritmo en tu entrenamiento?"

"¿Es difícil aflojar las cuerdas de un violín?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre un momento en el que tuviste que aflojar tus expectativas para ser más feliz.

Describe una situación técnica donde fue difícil aflojar algo (un coche, una máquina).

¿En qué aspectos de tu vida crees que deberías aflojar un poco el ritmo?

Imagina que el clima finalmente afloja después de una tormenta; describe el ambiente.

Relata una historia cómica donde alguien tuvo que 'aflojar la mosca' inesperadamente.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but it's colloquial. Saying '¡Afloja!' to someone means they are being too intense or aggressive. For general relaxation, 'relájate' is better.

Aflojar is like giving more slack to a rope. Soltar is letting the rope go completely. It's a matter of degree of release.

Yes, it follows the standard -ar conjugation pattern (aflojo, aflojas, afloja, etc.) without any stem changes.

You can use the idiom 'aflojar la mosca' or 'aflojar la pasta'. It's very common in informal Spanish.

Not really. For food becoming soft, use 'ablandar'. 'Aflojar' is about tension, not texture.

Very. Use it for things that become loose on their own, like a screw in a machine or a tooth.

It means to slow down your walking speed or the speed at which you are doing a task.

Yes, 'la fiebre ha aflojado' means the fever has subsided or decreased in intensity.

Usually 'aflojar en' when talking about an activity, like 'aflojar en los estudios'.

It's a noun meaning 'penetrating oil' or 'bolt loosener', like the brand WD-40.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes