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sobar means to rub / to nap — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 21, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

sobar

verb • /[soh-BAR]/

to rub / to nap

Example:

Voy a sobar un rato.

I’m going to take a nap.

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🧠 What does sobar mean?

In Mexican slang, "sobar" has two main meanings. It can mean "to rub" something, often gently or soothingly, like rubbing a sore muscle. It can also mean "to nap" or "to take a siesta." Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.

📚 Extra examples

  • Me sobé la rodilla después de caerme.
    I rubbed my knee after I fell.
  • Voy a sobar un rato porque estoy cansado.
    I'm going to take a nap because I'm tired.
  • Le sobaron la espalda.
    They rubbed their back.
  • Ella está sobando en el sofá.
    She's napping on the couch.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to rub / to nap' in Spanish?
The standard Spanish verbs for "to rub" are "frotar" and "rozar." For "to nap," you can use "dormir la siesta" or "echar una siesta." However, in Mexican slang, "sobar" covers both!
How do you pronounce 'sobar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced soh-BAR, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'sobar' in a sentence?
Examples: "Me sobé la cabeza porque me dolía" (I rubbed my head because it hurt). "Voy a sobar un rato" (I'm going to take a nap).
What is the English translation of 'sobar'?
In Mexican slang, it translates to "to rub" or "to nap."
Does 'sobar' change for gender or number?
Yes, like all Spanish verbs, 'sobar' conjugates. For instance, "yo sobo" (I rub/nap), "tú sobas" (you rub/nap), "él/ella soba" (he/she rubs/naps), etc.
Is 'sobar' common in everyday Spanish?
It's common in informal, everyday Mexican Spanish. You'll likely hear it in conversations among friends and family.
Does 'sobar' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as explained, the double meaning of "to rub" and "to nap" is specific to Mexican slang. In other Spanish-speaking regions, "sobar" might have different connotations or be less common.
Is 'sobar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While understood in some Latin American countries, "sobar" with the meaning of "to nap" is primarily Mexican slang. In Spain, "sobar" mostly means "to rub" and isn't commonly used for "to nap."
How do you conjugate 'sobar' in Spanish?
It follows regular -ar verb conjugations. Present tense: yo sobo, tú sobas, él/ella/usted soba, nosotros/nosotras sobamos, vosotros/vosotras sobáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes soban.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sobar"

Synonyms: frotar, rozar, dormir la siesta, echar una siesta

💡 Did You Know?

While "sobar" might sound like the English word "sober," they have completely different meanings! Be careful not to mix them up.

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