describe
/de-SKREE-beh/
describes
A person describes the details of a fruit basket.
describe(verb)
describes
?when talking about what he, she, or it does
,describe
?when giving a friendly command to someone you know well
is describing
?describing an action happening right now
📝 In Action
Ella describe muy bien su ciudad.
A1She describes her city very well.
¡Describe a la persona que viste!
A2Describe the person you saw!
El autor describe los sentimientos del protagonista.
B1The author describes the protagonist's feelings.
💡 Grammar Points
One word, two moods
'Describe' is multi-talented! Use it for facts ('Él describe') or for a direct command to a friend ('¡Describe!').
The special past form
Even though 'describe' looks regular, when saying 'I have described,' you must use 'descrito,' never 'describido.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
The 'Describido' Trap
Mistake: "He describido el libro."
Correction: He escrito o He descrito el libro. Why? 'Describir' is irregular in its completed-action form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding 'it' to commands
When using this as a command, you often stick 'lo' (it) to the end: 'Descríbelo' (Describe it).
The movement traces a clear shape in the sand.
describe(verb)
traces
?following a path or drawing a shape
outlines
?showing the perimeter of a shape
📝 In Action
La Tierra describe una elipse alrededor del Sol.
B2The Earth traces an ellipse around the Sun.
El avión describe un arco en el cielo.
B2The plane traces an arc in the sky.
💡 Grammar Points
Moving through space
In science, 'describe' doesn't use words; it uses movement to create a shape.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: describe
Question 1 of 2
If you want to tell a friend 'Describe your house!', what do you say?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'describe' mean 'I describe'?
No, if you want to say 'I describe,' you must use 'describo.' The word 'describe' is only for 'he/she/it/you (formal)' or a command to a friend.
How do I say 'Describe it to me'?
You attach the person and the thing to the end: 'Descríbemelo'.