desplegar
“desplegar” means “to unfold” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to unfold, to spread out
Also: to expand
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que desplegar el mapa para encontrar el camino.
B1We had to unfold the map to find the way.
El pájaro desplegó sus alas y voló.
A2The bird spread its wings and flew.
Haz clic aquí para desplegar el menú de opciones.
B1Click here to expand the options menu.
to deploy
Also: to station
📝 In Action
El gobierno decidió desplegar al ejército en la zona de desastre.
B2The government decided to deploy the army in the disaster zone.
Se van a desplegar más recursos para ayudar a los refugiados.
B2More resources are going to be deployed to help the refugees.
to display, to show off
Also: to exert
📝 In Action
El equipo desplegó un gran esfuerzo durante el partido.
C1The team displayed a great effort during the game.
Desplegó todo su talento en el escenario.
B2She showed off all her talent on stage.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "desplegar" in Spanish:
to deploy→to display→to exert→to expand→to station→to unfold→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desplegar
Question 1 of 3
Which form of 'desplegar' is correct for 'I unfold' in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'des-' (meaning 'undo') and the verb 'plegar' (to fold), which comes from the Latin word 'plicare'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'desplegar' always mean to unfold a physical object?
No, it is very common in technology to refer to opening digital menus, and in formal contexts to refer to deploying resources or showing talent.
Is it a regular verb?
No, it has two small changes: the 'e' becomes 'ie' in some present forms, and the 'g' becomes 'gu' in the 'yo' form of the past tense.
What is the difference between 'abrir' and 'desplegar'?
'Abrir' is a general word for 'to open.' 'Desplegar' specifically means to open something that was folded or compressed, like a map or a hidden menu.