desprender
“desprender” means “to detach” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to detach, to take off
Also: to unfasten
📝 In Action
Desprendí la etiqueta de mi camiseta nueva.
A2I took the tag off my new t-shirt.
Es difícil desprender el pegamento viejo de la mesa.
B1It is hard to remove the old glue from the table.
Tienes que desprender el cable con mucho cuidado para no romperlo.
B2You have to detach the cable very carefully so you don't break it.
to give off, to emit
Also: to radiate
📝 In Action
Las flores desprenden un aroma delicioso por la mañana.
B1The flowers give off a delicious scent in the morning.
El motor desprende mucho calor después de un viaje largo.
B2The engine gives off a lot of heat after a long trip.
Su sonrisa desprende una alegría contagiosa.
C1Her smile radiates a contagious joy.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desprender
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes a flower's scent?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'des-' (meaning 'un-' or 'undo') plus the verb 'prender' (from Latin 'prehendere', meaning 'to catch or grab'). Literally, it means 'to un-grab' or 'to let go'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desprender' a regular verb?
Yes! It follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -er, like 'comer' or 'beber'.
What is the difference between 'desprender' and 'desprenderse'?
'Desprender' is something you do to another object (like taking off a label). 'Desprenderse' is used when something comes off on its own (like a button falling off) or when you voluntarily give something away.
Can it be used for emotions?
Yes! You can say someone 'desprende alegría' (radiates joy) or 'desprende confianza' (radiates confidence).