declarar
“declarar” means “declare” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
declare, announce
Also: proclaim, state
📝 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.
testify, declare (goods/income)
Also: report
📝 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.
declare oneself, propose
Also: plead, come out
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: declarar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the reflexive form, 'declararse'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *dēclārāre*, which means 'to make clear, to reveal, or to proclaim.' It is formed by combining *dē-* (which means 'down' or 'completely') and *clārāre* (meaning 'to make clear').
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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).