expresar
/eks-preh-SAHR/
to express
Expresar means "to express" feelings or ideas, such as expressing affection by giving a gift.
expresar(Verb)
to express
?feelings or ideas
,to state
?an opinion or fact
to voice
?a concern
📝 In Action
Quiero expresar mi gratitud por tu ayuda.
A1I want to express my gratitude for your help.
Ella expresó una opinión muy fuerte sobre el tema.
A2She stated a very strong opinion on the topic.
Es difícil expresar exactamente lo que siento.
B1It is difficult to express exactly what I feel.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
This verb follows the simplest pattern for Spanish verbs ending in -ar. Just remove the -ar and add the standard endings (like -o, -as, -a, etc.).
Transitive Use
When you use 'expresar,' you almost always need to say what you are expressing (the direct object): expresar [algo].
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
While 'decir' (to say) is often used in informal conversation, 'expresar' sounds more thoughtful and is better for sharing deeper feelings or formal statements.
When used reflexively, expresarse means "to express oneself" or articulate one's own thoughts.
expresar(Verb)
to express oneself
?to articulate one's own thoughts
,to make oneself understood
?communication ability
📝 In Action
Ella se expresa muy bien en varios idiomas.
B1She expresses herself very well in several languages.
A veces, me cuesta expresarme cuando estoy nervioso.
B2Sometimes, it's hard for me to articulate myself when I'm nervous.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
When you add 'se' (expresarse), the action reflects back onto the person doing it. You are expressing yourself. Remember to use the matching reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) before the conjugated verb.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo expreso bien."
Correction: Yo me expreso bien. (The correct usage includes the pronoun 'me' because the action is reflecting back on 'yo'.)
Expresar can also mean "to represent" a concept or meaning, like how a scale represents justice or fairness.
expresar(Verb)
to represent
?a concept or meaning
,to denote
?in mathematics or logic
to signify
?what something stands for
📝 In Action
El símbolo 'E' expresa la energía en física.
B2The symbol 'E' represents energy in physics.
Esta danza expresa la historia de la comunidad.
B2This dance shows the history of the community.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Use
In this formal sense, the subject is often an inanimate object (a painting, a formula, a color) that performs the action of representing something else.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: expresar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'expresarse' (the reflexive form)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'expresar' and 'decir'?
'Decir' means 'to say' or 'to tell' and is generally used for simple communication of information. 'Expresar' means 'to express' and implies communicating a deeper feeling, thought, or attitude, often in a more thoughtful or emotional way.
Is 'expresar' transitive or intransitive?
It is usually transitive, meaning it needs a direct object (you express *something*). However, when used as 'expresarse' (reflexive), it functions more like an intransitive verb, focusing on the ability of the subject to articulate themselves.