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jalar means to pull / to work — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 24, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

jalar

verb • /[hah-LAR]/

to pull / to work

Example:

Tengo que jalar temprano.

I have to work early.

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🧠 What does jalar mean?

Jalar is a versatile verb commonly used in Mexican Spanish slang. While its literal meaning is "to pull," it has a range of colloquial meanings, including "to work" (as in, a machine or device working), "to function," "to go," "to eat," or even "to drink."

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Vamos a jalar unos tacos!
    Let's go grab some tacos!
  • Mi coche ya no jala.
    My car doesn't work anymore.
  • ¿Jalas al cine?
    Are you coming to the movies?
  • Esa computadora no está jalando bien.
    That computer isn't working properly.
  • Jalo con la idea.
    I'm on board with the idea.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to pull / to work' in Spanish?
In standard Spanish, 'to pull' is 'tirar' and 'to work' is 'trabajar'. In Mexican slang, 'jalar' can cover both, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce 'jalar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ha-LAR, with the 'j' sounding like the 'h' in 'hello'.
How do you use 'jalar' in a sentence?
You can use 'jalar' in various ways: '¿Jalas al cine?' (Are you coming to the movies?), 'Mi teléfono no jala.' (My phone isn't working.), or 'Vamos a jalar algo.' (Let's go eat/drink something).
What is the English translation of 'jalar'?
While literally 'to pull,' in Mexican slang, 'jalar' can mean 'to work,' 'to function,' 'to go,' 'to eat,' or 'to drink,' depending on the context.
Does 'jalar' change for gender or number?
Yes, like other Spanish verbs, 'jalar' conjugates according to the subject. For example, 'yo jalo' (I pull/work/go), 'tú jalas' (you pull/work/go), etc.
Is 'jalar' common in everyday Spanish?
It's very common in informal Mexican Spanish, but less so in other Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'jalar' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as explained, its slang meanings go beyond simply 'to pull.'
Is 'jalar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While understood, 'jalar' with its slang meanings is primarily used in Mexico. Other Latin American countries might use different slang terms.
How do you conjugate 'jalar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense: yo jalo, tú jalas, él/ella/usted jala, nosotros/as jalamos, vosotros/as jaláis (Spain), ellos/ellas/ustedes jalan.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "jalar"

Synonyms: funcionar, trabajar, ir, comer, beber
Opposites: descomponerse, no funcionar, quedarse

💡 Did You Know?

Using 'jalar' can make you sound more like a local when speaking with Mexicans!

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