celebrar
“celebrar” means “celebrate” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
celebrate
Also: commemorate
📝 In Action
Vamos a celebrar el cumpleaños de mi abuela el sábado.
A1We are going to celebrate my grandmother's birthday on Saturday.
Los aficionados celebraron la victoria del equipo en la calle.
A2The fans celebrated the team's victory in the street.
¿Qué vas a celebrar si apruebas el examen?
A2What are you going to celebrate if you pass the exam?
hold, conduct
Also: officiate
📝 In Action
El director decidió celebrar la reunión de emergencia a las dos.
B1The director decided to hold the emergency meeting at two o'clock.
En esta iglesia, el sacerdote celebra misa todos los días.
B2In this church, the priest celebrates (holds) mass every day.
be held, take place
📝 In Action
La boda se celebrará en la capital el próximo mes.
B1The wedding will be held (or will take place) in the capital next month.
Ayer se celebró una manifestación en contra de la nueva ley.
B2Yesterday, a demonstration against the new law was held.
conclude, execute
Also: enter into
📝 In Action
Los dos países celebraron un tratado de paz después de la guerra.
C1The two countries concluded a peace treaty after the war.
El abogado nos ayudó a celebrar el contrato de arrendamiento.
C2The lawyer helped us execute the lease agreement.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "celebrar" in Spanish:
be held→celebrate→commemorate→conclude→conduct→enter into→execute→hold→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: celebrar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'celebrar' in its most formal, legal sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *celebrare*, meaning 'to frequent, to honor, or to observe solemnly.' The core idea is making something public, noteworthy, or honoring it with a gathering.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'celebrar' always about happy events?
Not necessarily! While it usually means 'to celebrate' (happy events), it can also mean 'to commemorate' a serious historical date or 'to hold' a formal meeting, which might not be celebratory at all.
How is 'celebrar' different from 'festejar'?
'Celebrar' is the general word for observing an event. 'Festejar' is more specific and usually means 'to party' or 'to feast.' You can celebrate a birthday, but you fête (festejar) it with food and music.