dispare
/dees-PAH-reh/
shoot
When you dispare, you 'shoot' a weapon.
dispare(Verb)
shoot
?to fire a weapon
,fire
?to launch a projectile
let him shoot
?present subjunctive (él/ella/usted)
,I may shoot
?present subjunctive (yo)
📝 In Action
El capitán quiere que yo dispare primero.
B1The captain wants me to shoot first (I may shoot first).
¡No dispare! Es solo una advertencia.
A2Don't shoot! It's just a warning.
El entrenador dijo: '¡Dispare, señor!'
A2The coach said, 'Shoot, sir!' (Formal command)
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Use (Wishes/Influence)
You use 'dispare' (yo/él/usted) when talking about wishes, requests, or doubts: 'Espero que él dispare bien' (I hope he shoots well).
Formal Command
'Dispare' is the formal 'You' command (Usted): '¡Dispare, por favor!' (Shoot, please!). It is the same form as the subjunctive.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Commands
Mistake: "Using 'dispara' for a formal command to an elder."
Correction: Use 'dispare' for formal commands (Usted) and 'dispara' for informal commands (Tú).
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the 'E'
Since the infinitive is 'disparar' (AR ending), the subjunctive and formal command forms use the opposite vowel 'E'.
To dispare can mean to 'trigger' an event or reaction.
dispare(Verb)
trigger
?to cause a reaction or event
,set off
?an alarm or mechanism
provoke
?a discussion or reaction
📝 In Action
El sensor requiere que alguien dispare la alarma manualmente.
B1The sensor requires someone to trigger the alarm manually.
Espero que este comentario no dispare una pelea.
B2I hope this comment doesn't set off a fight.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Intent
This meaning often appears after verbs expressing necessity or intent, requiring the 'dispare' form: 'Necesitamos que el cambio dispare la economía' (We need the change to trigger the economy).
Costs can dispare, meaning they 'skyrocket'.
dispare(Verb)
skyrocket
?prices or costs
,surge
?to rise quickly and uncontrollably
soar
?to increase dramatically
📝 In Action
El banco teme que la inflación dispare los precios de la vivienda.
C1The bank fears that inflation will skyrocket housing prices.
Ojalá que el costo de la gasolina no dispare de nuevo.
B2Hopefully, the cost of gas doesn't surge again.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
This is a figurative extension of 'shooting' something up very fast. It is typically used with economic subjects like 'precios' (prices) or 'costos' (costs).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dispare
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'dispare' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'dispare' look like a command and a subjunctive form?
In Spanish, the formal command (Usted) always borrows its form from the present subjunctive. So, 'dispare' can mean 'Shoot! (formal)' or 'that I/he/she/you formal shoot (as a possibility or desire).'
Is 'disparar' only used for guns?
No. While the literal meaning is 'to shoot,' it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean 'to trigger' an alarm, 'to provoke' a reaction, or 'to skyrocket' prices.