ejercer
“ejercer” means “to practice” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to practice
Also: to work as
📝 In Action
Ella es abogada, pero no ejerce actualmente.
B1She is a lawyer, but she isn't practicing currently.
Para ejercer como médico en este país, necesitas convalidar tu título.
B2To practice as a doctor in this country, you need to validate your degree.
Mi abuelo ejerció la docencia durante más de cuarenta años.
C1My grandfather worked as a teacher for over forty years.
to exert, to exercise
📝 In Action
Los padres suelen ejercer una gran influencia sobre sus hijos.
B2Parents usually exert a great influence over their children.
Todos los ciudadanos tienen el derecho de ejercer su voto.
B2All citizens have the right to exercise their vote.
No ejerzas tanta presión sobre el cristal o se romperá.
C1Don't exert so much pressure on the glass or it will break.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ejercer
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I practice law' using the verb ejercer?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'exercēre', which meant to keep busy, to oversee, or to train. This is the same root that gave us 'exercise' in English.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ejercer' a regular verb?
Almost! It is regular except for a spelling change. Whenever the ending begins with 'o' or 'a', the 'c' changes to 'z' (e.g., yo ejerzo, que yo ejerza) to keep the pronunciation consistent.
Can I use 'ejercer' for working at a supermarket?
No, 'ejercer' is usually reserved for professions that require specific training or a degree (like law, medicine, teaching). For general work, use 'trabajar'.
How do I say 'to exercise' (like at the gym)?
For physical exercise, it is better to use 'hacer ejercicio' or 'ejercitarse'. 'Ejercer' is about putting a right, a force, or a career into action.