batir

Batir is a Spanish verb with several related meanings tied to the idea of striking, mixing, or defeating. In its most common culinary sense, batir means to beat or whisk ingredients until they reach the desired texture, as in batir huevos (to beat eggs) or batir la nata (to whip cream). In other contexts, batir can indicate striking or hitting something, as when a metal surface is beaten or when one device is struck against another.

In sports and competitions, batir means to defeat or surpass someone or something, for example batir un récord mundial (to break a world record) or batir a un rival in a match. The verb also appears in expressions of confrontation or conflict, such as batirse, which in reflexive form can mean to engage in a duel or to engage in combat.

Etymologically, batir derives from Latin battēre or batere, related to striking or beating. The word has given rise to related terms in Spanish such as batidora (mixer or blender) and batería (drum set, battery), reflecting its core sense of impact or agitation.

Conjugation overview (present indicative forms): yo bato, tú bates, él/ella bate, nosotros batimos, vosotros batís, ellos baten. Preterite: batí, batiste, batió, batimos, batisteis, batieron. Imperfect: batía, batías, batía, batíamos, batíais, batían. Future: batiré, batirás, batirá, batiremos, batiréis, batirán. Subjunctive: bata, batas, bata, batamos, batáis, baten. Imperative: (tú) bate, (usted) bata, (nosotros) batamos, (vosotros) batid, (ustedes) baten. Participles: batiendo, batido.

Batir, in its broad usage, thus covers culinary technique, physical action, competition, and, in reflexive form, duel or combat contexts, making it a versatile verb in everyday Spanish.