demostrarvsmostrar
/deh-mohs-TRAR/
/mohs-TRAR/
💡 Quick Rule
Mostrar = to show. Demostrar = to show *proof*.
Think: Demostrar needs Data or a Demonstration.
- For feelings, both can be used. 'Demostrar afecto' is proving affection with actions, while 'mostrar afecto' is simply displaying it.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | demostrar | mostrar | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideas & Theories | Voy a demostrar que es posible. | Voy a mostrarte mi plan. | Demostrar is for proving the validity of an idea. Mostrar is for presenting the idea itself. |
| In a Store | El vendedor demostró cómo funciona. | El vendedor me mostró tres modelos. | Demostrar involves a demonstration of function. Mostrar is just pointing out or presenting options. |
| Feelings | Demostró su amor con hechos. | Mostró su alegría con una sonrisa. | Demostrar implies proving a feeling through action. Mostrar is about the outward physical display of a feeling. |
✅ When to Use "demostrar" / mostrar
demostrar
To prove, demonstrate (with evidence), or show how something works.
/deh-mohs-TRAR/
Proving a point with evidence
El científico demostró su teoría con datos.
The scientist proved his theory with data.
Showing how something functions
El instructor nos demostró la técnica de reanimación.
The instructor demonstrated the resuscitation technique for us.
Showing a quality through actions
Demostró su valentía al salvar al niño.
He demonstrated his bravery by saving the child.
mostrar
To show, display, or point something out.
/mohs-TRAR/
Showing a physical object
¿Me muestras tu nuevo teléfono?
Can you show me your new phone?
Pointing to something
Muéstrame en el mapa dónde quieres ir.
Show me on the map where you want to go.
Displaying an emotion or quality
No mostró ninguna emoción durante la película.
He didn't show any emotion during the movie.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "demostrar":
Ahora voy a demostrar por qué este sistema es más eficiente.
Now I'm going to prove why this system is more efficient.
With "mostrar":
Ahora voy a mostrarles el nuevo diseño de la página web.
Now I'm going to show you the new website design.
The Difference: Demostrar involves using logic, data, or arguments to convince someone. Mostrar is simply about presenting something for people to see.
With "demostrar":
Con este regalo, quiero demostrarte mi agradecimiento.
With this gift, I want to demonstrate (prove) my gratitude to you.
With "mostrar":
Siempre muestra interés cuando hablo de mis pasatiempos.
He always shows interest when I talk about my hobbies.
The Difference: Demostrar suggests an action taken to prove a feeling's existence. Mostrar refers to the outward appearance or expression of a feeling.
🎨 Visual Comparison
Mostrar is simply showing. Demostrar is showing with proof.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Demuéstrame tus fotos de las vacaciones.
Muéstrame tus fotos de las vacaciones.
When you just want to see something, use 'mostrar'. 'Demostrar' would imply you need to prove something about the photos, which is unusual.
El abogado tiene que mostrar que su cliente es inocente.
El abogado tiene que demostrar que su cliente es inocente.
In a legal context, you need to provide evidence and proof, which is the core meaning of 'demostrar'.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Demostrar vs Mostrar
Question 1 of 3
The salesperson showed us how the coffee machine works. Which verb is best?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'enseñar' instead of 'mostrar'?
Sometimes! 'Enseñar' can mean 'to teach' or 'to show'. You can say 'Enséñame tus fotos' just like 'Muéstrame tus fotos'. However, 'enseñar' is more common in Spain, while 'mostrar' is more universally used across Latin America for this meaning.
Is 'demostrar' only for science and math?
Not at all! While it's perfect for scientific proof, you also use it to 'demonstrate' qualities like courage, love, or support through your actions. For example, 'Ellos demostraron su apoyo con una donación' (They demonstrated their support with a donation).