concebir
“concebir” means “to conceive” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to conceive
Also: to get pregnant
📝 In Action
La pareja intentó concebir durante dos años.
B1The couple tried to conceive for two years.
Es posible concebir de forma natural a esa edad.
B2It is possible to conceive naturally at that age.
Tras muchos tratamientos, finalmente logró concebir.
B1After many treatments, she finally managed to conceive.
to devise, to formulate
Also: to dream up
📝 In Action
El arquitecto concibió un edificio innovador.
B2The architect devised an innovative building.
Concibieron el plan durante una cena.
B2They came up with the plan during a dinner.
Es una estrategia bien concebida.
C1It is a well-thought-out strategy.
to imagine, to comprehend
📝 In Action
No puedo concebir la vida sin música.
C1I cannot imagine life without music.
Es difícil concebir cómo alguien pudo hacer eso.
C1It is hard to comprehend how someone could do that.
Su mente no concebía el fracaso.
C2His mind couldn't even imagine failure.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "concebir" in Spanish:
to comprehend→to conceive→to devise→to formulate→to imagine→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: concebir
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct 'yo' form of 'concebir' in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'concipere', which combines 'con' (together) and 'capere' (to take or hold). It literally means 'to take in and hold together.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'concebir' a regular verb?
No, it is irregular. The 'e' in the middle of the word changes to an 'i' in many of its forms, like in 'concibo' (I conceive) or 'concibió' (he/she conceived).
Can I use 'concebir' to mean 'to understand'?
Yes, but usually in a deeper or more abstract way, like saying you can't 'comprehend' or 'imagine' a specific situation.
What is the difference between 'concebir' and 'quedar embarazada'?
'Concebir' is the biological act or the formal term for beginning a pregnancy, whereas 'quedar embarazada' is the common, everyday way to say 'to get pregnant.'