comparecer
“comparecer” means “to appear” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to appear
Also: to show up
📝 In Action
El testigo tiene que comparecer ante el tribunal el lunes.
B1The witness has to appear before the court on Monday.
Es obligatorio comparecer si recibes una citación judicial.
B2It is mandatory to show up if you receive a court summons.
El acusado compareció ante el juez para dar su versión de los hechos.
C1The accused appeared before the judge to give his version of the events.
to hold a press conference
Also: to give a statement
📝 In Action
El presidente comparecerá ante los medios esta tarde.
B2The president will address the media this afternoon.
Tras el escándalo, el director se negó a comparecer.
C1Following the scandal, the director refused to give a statement.
Los científicos comparecieron para explicar el descubrimiento.
C1The scientists appeared (publicly) to explain the discovery.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "comparecer" in Spanish:
to appear→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: comparecer
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct 'yo' (I) form in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'comparēre', where 'com-' (together) and 'parēre' (to show oneself/appear) combine to mean 'to appear officially or together before an authority'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comparecer' the same as 'aparecer'?
No. 'Aparecer' means to physically show up or appear (like a ghost or a lost set of keys). 'Comparecer' is specifically for formal, official, or legal appearances.
Can I use 'comparecer' for a job interview?
It is technically possible but sounds extremely stiff. Better to use 'tener una entrevista' or 'presentarse a una entrevista'.
How do I remember the 'zc' change?
Many verbs ending in -ecer (like 'conocer' -> 'conozco' or 'merecer' -> 'merezco') follow this same pattern!