What does «golpe de pecho» mean in Spanish?
- A sign of sorrow and contrition, consisting of beating one's chest with one's fist, as a sign of regret for sins committed. In the Catholic mass, the beating of the chest is part of the liturgical act, the most known and widespread is given during the "I confess" (Confiteor), in the phrase recited three times "For my fault". It was also used once in the "Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus", three times in the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) and three times in the "Lord, I am not worthy" (Domine, Non Sum Dignus).
Examples of use in Spanish: "ciertas oraciones de arrepentimiento de los pecados suelen acompañarse con golpes de pecho".
- (darse golpes de pecho) Showing repentance or religiosity, usually in an excessive or false manner.
Examples of use in Spanish: "aquel fulano se da muchos golpes de pecho en la Iglesia, pero sé de buena fuente que engaña a su mujer".