Tientas (en. You grope)

/ˈtjentas/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Action of touching or manipulating something with the hands.
She felt around in the dark to find her phone.
Ella hizo dientas en la oscuridad para encontrar su teléfono.
Physical exploration of an environment through touch.
During the test, the teacher asked them to feel around with the materials.
Durante la prueba, el profesor les pidió que hicieran tientas con los materiales.

Etymology

From the verb 'to tempt', related to the action of touching or examining.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to tempt fate
To act in a risky manner in an uncertain situation.
tentar a la suerte
to tempt the fire
To experiment with something risky or dangerous.
tentar el fuego

Related Words

to tempt
To test or examine something with the intention of discovering its nature, quality, or effect.
tentar
touch
Sense that allows the perception of sensations through the skin.
tacto

Slang Meanings

To do something subtly or camouflaged.
At the party, he started to feel around to try to flirt.
En la fiesta, empezó a hacer tientas para intentar ligar.