declarar
/deh-klah-RAHR/
declare
To state something formally, like an official announcement or decision.
declarar(verb)
declare
?to state formally
,announce
?to proclaim publicly
proclaim
?formal announcement
,state
?to express an opinion
📝 In Action
El presidente declaró el estado de emergencia.
A2The president declared a state of emergency.
La junta directiva declaró que las ganancias aumentaron.
B1The board of directors announced that profits increased.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Declarar' with 'Que'
When you use 'declarar' to report a fact or statement ('They declared that...'), you use the normal verb form (indicative): 'Declararon que el tren venía tarde.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Announce and Declare
Mistake: "Using 'anunciar' for formal, legal declarations."
Correction: While 'anunciar' means 'to announce,' 'declarar' is better for serious, official statements, like declaring taxes or a state of emergency.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This verb carries a sense of formality and authority. Use it when the statement has legal, political, or serious implications.
To testify or give evidence under oath in a legal setting.
declarar(verb)
testify
?in court
,declare (goods/income)
?customs or tax forms
report
?income or assets
📝 In Action
El testigo tuvo que declarar ante el juez.
B1The witness had to testify before the judge.
Tienes que declarar todos los regalos que superen los 500 euros.
B2You have to declare all gifts that exceed 500 euros.
💡 Grammar Points
The Preposition 'Ante'
When testifying, you often use the preposition 'ante' (meaning 'before' or 'in the presence of') to say who you are speaking to: 'declarar ante la policía'.
To state one's personal position, feelings, or allegiance openly.
declarar(verb)
declare oneself
?to state one's position or feeling
,propose
?to declare love/marriage (declararse a alguien)
plead
?to plead guilty (declararse culpable)
,come out
?to declare one's identity
📝 In Action
Finalmente se declaró a su mejor amiga en la fiesta.
B2He finally proposed to his best friend at the party. (Literally: declared himself to her)
Los trabajadores se declararon en huelga por los bajos salarios.
B2The workers declared a strike (declared themselves in strike) due to low wages.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Ending
When 'declarar' adds 'se' (declararse), the action reflects back onto the subject. It means the person is declaring their own internal state or commitment, like declaring love or declaring a strike.
Declararse A Alguien
To propose marriage or declare love, you must use the preposition 'a' followed by the person: 'Me declaré a ella' (I proposed to her).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: declarar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the reflexive form, 'declararse'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'declarar' used only for serious or formal situations?
While 'declarar' often sounds formal (like announcing a law or testifying), it is also used in common, serious contexts, such as 'declarar impuestos' (filing taxes) or 'declarar la verdad' (stating the truth).
How is 'declararse' (reflexive) different from 'declarar' (non-reflexive)?
'Declarar' is transitive; you declare *something* (a fact, a law). 'Declararse' is reflexive; you declare *yourself* or your own status, usually relating to feelings, loyalties, or internal decisions (like proposing marriage or declaring bankruptcy).