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apapachar means to cuddle / pamper — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 23, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

apapachar

verb • /[ah-pah-pah-CHAR]/

to cuddle / pamper

Example:

Voy a apapachar al bebé.

I’m going to cuddle the baby.

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🧠 What does apapachar mean?

Apapachar is a beautiful Spanish word, primarily used in Mexican Spanish, that means to cuddle, pamper, or caress someone affectionately. It goes beyond a simple hug and implies a deeper sense of care and comfort, like giving someone a warm, loving embrace. Think of it as showing love and tenderness through physical touch.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi abuela siempre me apapacha cuando la visito.
    My grandmother always cuddles me when I visit her.
  • Necesito un apapacho después de un día tan largo.
    I need a cuddle after such a long day.
  • Apapachó al bebé con cariño.
    She pampered the baby with affection.
  • Me siento mucho mejor después de un buen apapacho.
    I feel much better after a good cuddle.
  • Vamos a apapachar a los niños antes de dormir.
    Let's cuddle the children before they go to sleep.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to cuddle / pamper' in Spanish?
While there are several ways to say 'to cuddle' or 'to pamper' in Spanish, 'apapachar' is a uniquely warm and affectionate term, especially common in Mexican Spanish.
How do you pronounce 'apapachar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ah-pah-pah-char, with the stress on the third syllable (char).
How do you use 'apapachar' in a sentence?
You can use it like this: 'Voy a apapachar a mi perro' (I'm going to cuddle my dog), or 'Necesito un apapacho' (I need a cuddle).
What is the English translation of 'apapachar'?
The closest English translations are 'to cuddle,' 'to pamper,' 'to caress affectionately,' or 'to give a warm embrace.'
Does 'apapachar' change for gender or number?
Yes, like other Spanish verbs, 'apapachar' conjugates to match the subject. For example, 'Yo apapacho' (I cuddle), 'Tú apapachas' (You cuddle), 'Él/Ella apapacha' (He/She cuddles), etc.
Is 'apapachar' common in everyday Spanish?
It's very common in Mexico, but you might hear it less frequently in other Spanish-speaking countries. It's understood, but other synonyms might be preferred.
Does 'apapachar' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily used to describe physical affection, 'apapachar' can sometimes be used figuratively to mean 'to pamper' someone with gifts or attention, not just physical touch. It doesn't carry any negative or double meanings.
Is 'apapachar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
It is much more common in Mexico. While understood in other Latin American countries and Spain, other synonyms like 'abrazar' (to hug), 'mimar' (to pamper), or 'consentir' (to spoil) are often used instead.
How do you conjugate 'apapachar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense: Yo apapacho, Tú apapachas, Él/Ella/Usted apapacha, Nosotros/Nosotras apapachamos, Vosotros/Vosotras apapacháis, Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes apapachan.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "apapachar"

Synonyms: mimar, consentir, abrazar, acariciar
Opposites: descuidar, ignorar, maltratar

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'apapachar' comes from the Nahuatl word 'papachoa', which means 'to caress or pat someone lovingly.'

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