desmontar
“desmontar” means “to take apart” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to take apart, to disassemble
Also: to strip down
📝 In Action
Tengo que desmontar la estantería para la mudanza.
A2I have to take the bookshelf apart for the move.
El mecánico desmontó el motor en una hora.
B1The mechanic disassembled the engine in an hour.
Si desmontas el juguete, será difícil volver a armarlo.
B1If you take the toy apart, it will be hard to put it back together.
to debunk, to disprove
📝 In Action
El científico desmontó la teoría con nuevas pruebas.
B2The scientist debunked the theory with new evidence.
Lograron desmontar la red de mentiras del político.
C1They managed to dismantle the politician's web of lies.
to dismount
📝 In Action
El caballero desmontó de su caballo.
B1The knight dismounted from his horse.
Es obligatorio desmontar de la bicicleta en este puente.
B2It is mandatory to get off your bike on this bridge.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desmontar
Question 1 of 3
Which verb is the opposite of 'desmontar' when building furniture?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'des-' (meaning to undo or reverse) and the verb 'montar' (to mount or assemble). It follows the logic of 'un-mounting' something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desmontar' a regular verb?
Yes! It follows the standard rules for all verbs ending in -ar, with no stem changes.
Can I use 'desmontar' for getting out of a car?
Not usually. For cars, we use 'bajarse'. 'Desmontar' is specifically for things you sit 'on' (like a horse or bike) or things you take apart.
What is the difference between 'desmontar' and 'desarmar'?
They are very similar. 'Desmontar' is often used for furniture and structures, while 'desarmar' is more common for machinery, weapons, or puzzles.