desaparece
des-ah-pah-REH-seh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
El mago toca la caja y el conejo desaparece.
A1The magician touches the box and the rabbit disappears.
Si usted no paga la multa, el descuento desaparece.
A2If you (formal) don't pay the fine, the discount disappears.
Ella siempre desaparece cuando llega el momento de limpiar.
B1She always vanishes when the time comes to clean up.
💡 Grammar Points
Who is doing the action?
The form 'desaparece' is used when the subject is singular: 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or the formal 'you' (usted). Example: 'El problema desaparece' (The problem disappears).
Focus on the Prefix
The prefix 'des-' means the opposite of the base word. Since 'aparecer' means 'to appear,' 'desaparecer' means 'to un-appear' or 'to disappear.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the 'Yo' Form
Mistake: "Saying 'Yo desapareco' instead of 'Yo desaparezco'."
Correction: The verb is slightly irregular in the first person singular (I). Remember the 'z' sound: 'Yo desaparezco'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Natural Usage
Use 'desaparece' when talking about things that stop existing, not just moving. For moving away, use 'se va' (he/she leaves).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: desaparece
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates 'El humo desaparece rápidamente'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desaparece' reflexive?
No, 'desaparece' is not inherently reflexive, meaning it doesn't require 'se' (like 'se desaparece'). While you might sometimes hear 'se desapareció' in casual speech, the standard verb form is simply 'desaparecer' (to disappear) without the 'se'.
How do I say 'it disappeared'?
You would use the preterite (past) tense form: 'desapareció'. Example: 'El dinero desapareció de la mesa' (The money disappeared from the table).