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nadar means to swim — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 26, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

nadar

verb • /[na-DAR]/

to swim

Example:

Me encanta nadar aquí.

I love swimming here.

🧠 What does nadar mean?

While 'nadar' literally means 'to swim,' in Mexican slang, it can also mean 'to be drowning,' often figuratively, referring to being overwhelmed with work, responsibilities, or a difficult situation. It's like saying 'I'm swamped' or 'I'm in over my head' in English.

📚 Extra examples

  • Estoy nadando en trabajo esta semana.
    I'm drowning in work this week.
  • ¡No me des más tareas, que ya estoy nadando!
    Don't give me more tasks, I'm already drowning!
  • Ella está nadando en deudas.
    She's drowning in debt.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'nadar' can mean 'to be overwhelmed' in Mexican slang, using it in Spain might just get you confused looks! Stick to 'estar abrumado' or 'estar agobiado' there.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "nadar"

Synonyms: chapotear, bracear, flotar
Opposites: hundirse

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to swim' in Spanish?
The literal translation of 'to swim' is 'nadar.'
How do you pronounce 'nadar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'nah-DAHR,' with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'nadar' in a sentence?
You can use 'nadar' literally (to swim in water) or figuratively (to be overwhelmed). For example: 'Me gusta nadar en el mar' (I like to swim in the sea) or 'Estoy nadando en problemas' (I'm drowning in problems).
What is the English translation of 'nadar'?
The primary translation is 'to swim.' However, in Mexican slang, it can also mean 'to be drowning (figuratively),' meaning overwhelmed or swamped.
Does 'nadar' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'nadar' is a verb and conjugates based on the subject. For example: 'yo nado' (I swim), 'tú nadas' (you swim), 'él/ella/usted nada' (he/she/you formal swims), etc.
Is 'nadar' common in everyday Spanish?
The literal meaning, 'to swim', is common. The slang usage (to be overwhelmed) is more common in Mexican Spanish.
Does 'nadar' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as mentioned, in Mexican Spanish it can mean to be overwhelmed or struggling to cope.
Is 'nadar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The literal meaning is the same. The slang meaning of 'being overwhelmed' is more prevalent in Mexico.
How do you conjugate 'nadar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense: yo nado, tú nadas, él/ella/usted nada, nosotros/nosotras nadamos, vosotros/vosotras nadáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes nadan.

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