Spanish Phrase
Tira, apunta, aprieta, barre.
Meaning
A rapid series of four commands: ‘pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.’ It’s often used to describe a quick, coordinated set of actions, for example in a sport, a video‑game combo, or a cleaning routine.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a short, punchy set of instructions that must be carried out one after another. It works well in informal contexts—coaching a teammate, directing a friend in a game, or jokingly telling someone how to tidy a room.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tiraapuntaaprietabarre
Imperative (tú) – regular -ar
For regular -ar verbs like *tirar* and *apuntar*, the affirmative tú imperative drops the final -s of the present tense: tira, apunta.
Imperative (tú) – irregular -er/-ir
For -er and -ir verbs like *apretar* and *barrer*, the tú imperative also drops the -s: aprieta, barre.
No subject pronoun
In Spanish commands the subject (tú) is omitted; the verb form alone conveys the instruction.
Comma‑separated list
When several commands are given in a row, commas are used to keep the rhythm and to separate each action.
🗨In Conversation
Tira, apunta, aprieta, barre.
Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.
¡Listo! Ya lo tengo.
Done! I’ve got it.
✕Common Mistakes
Tirar, apunta, aprieta, barre.
The infinitive should not be used in a command; the correct form is the imperative *tira*.
Tira, apuntas, aprieta, barre.
In the affirmative tú command the final -s is dropped; use *apunta* not *apuntas*.
Tira, apunta, aprietas, barre.
The imperative drops the -s, giving *aprieta*; *aprietas* is incorrect.
Tira, apunta, aprieta, barras.
The command form is *barre*; *barras* would be the present indicative, not an imperative.
↔Alternatives
Jala, señala, aprieta, barre.
Pull, point, squeeze, sweep.
Tira, apunta, aprieta, limpia.
Pull, aim, squeeze, clean.
Tira, apunta, aprieta, barre el polvo.
Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep the dust.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish the informal tú imperative is common among friends, teammates, or anyone you address with a familiar tone. If you need a more formal or polite command, switch to the usted form (e.g., *tire, apunte, apriete, barra*) or use the polite *por favor* before the list. Also, note that some regions prefer *jalar* over *tirar* for ‘pull.’