derretir
“derretir” means “to melt” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to melt
Also: to thaw
📝 In Action
El sol derrite la nieve muy rápido.
A1The sun melts the snow very quickly.
Tienes que derretir la mantequilla antes de añadirla a la mezcla.
A2You have to melt the butter before adding it to the mix.
El helado se derritió porque hacía mucho calor.
B1The ice cream melted because it was very hot.
to melt (with emotion)
Also: to fall head over heels
📝 In Action
Me derrito cada vez que veo a mi sobrino.
B1I melt every time I see my nephew.
Sus palabras de amor la derritieron.
B2His words of love melted her.
Se derrite por ella.
C1He is crazy about her / He melts for her.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: derretir
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I melt' in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Vulgar Latin word 'deterere', which meant to wear away or rub down, eventually evolving into the idea of solids dissolving or liquefying.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between derretir and derretirse?
Use 'derretir' when you are melting something (like melting butter in a pan). Use 'derretirse' when something is melting on its own (like snow in the sun).
Can I use 'derretir' for metal?
Technically yes, but it is much more common to use 'fundir' when talking about melting metals or casting them.
Is 'derretir' a regular verb?
No, it is a stem-changing verb where the 'e' becomes 'i' in many forms, similar to verbs like 'pedir' or 'servir'.