desenvolver
“desenvolver” means “to unwrap” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to unwrap
Also: to unpack, to undo
📝 In Action
Me encanta desenvolver los regalos de Navidad.
A2I love unwrapping Christmas presents.
Tienes que desenvolver el paquete con cuidado.
B1You have to unwrap the package carefully.
Ella desenvuelve el caramelo lentamente.
A2She unwraps the candy slowly.
to unfold
Also: to develop
📝 In Action
Nadie sabe cómo se va a desenvolver la situación.
B2No one knows how the situation is going to unfold.
El autor desenvuelve la trama de forma magistral.
C1The author develops the plot in a masterly way.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desenvolver
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct 'done' form (past participle) of desenvolver?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'des-' (meaning 'un-' or 'to undo') and the verb 'envolver' (to wrap), which comes from the Latin 'involvere'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desenvolver' the same as 'abrir'?
Not exactly. 'Abrir' means 'to open' (like a door or a box). 'Desenvolver' specifically means to take off a wrapper, like paper or plastic.
Does it always change 'o' to 'ue'?
Almost! It changes in all present tense forms except for 'nosotros' (desenvolvemos) and 'vosotros' (desenvolvéis). It also doesn't change in the past (preterite) or future.
When should I use 'desenvolver' vs 'desarrollar'?
Use 'desenvolver' for physical unwrapping or how a story unfolds. Use 'desarrollar' for growing a business, a skill, or muscles.