formar
“formar” means “to form” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to form, to shape
Also: to make up, to organize
📝 In Action
Los estudiantes formaron una fila para entrar al bus.
A2The students formed a line to get on the bus.
El comité se formó con tres miembros de cada departamento.
B1The committee was formed with three members from each department.
La niebla formó un velo sobre el valle.
B2The fog formed a veil over the valley.
to train, to educate
Also: to mold
📝 In Action
Su mentor lo formó como artista durante diez años.
B1His mentor trained him as an artist for ten years.
La escuela se dedica a formar líderes del futuro.
B2The school is dedicated to educating future leaders.
Los valores familiares nos forman desde pequeños.
C1Family values shape us from a young age.
to train oneself, to develop
Also: to study
📝 In Action
Ella quiere formarse en energías renovables.
B1She wants to train/study in renewable energy.
Es importante formarse continuamente para el mercado laboral.
B2It is important to continually educate oneself for the job market.
Se formaron como un gran equipo con el tiempo.
B2They developed into a great team over time.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "formar" in Spanish:
to develop→to educate→to form→to mold→to organize→to shape→to study→to train→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: formar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'formarse' (reflexive)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin verb *formare*, which meant 'to shape,' 'to mold,' or 'to give a specific appearance to something.' This root is why the Spanish word covers both physical shaping and educational shaping.
First recorded: Old Spanish (around the 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'formar' and 'crear'?
'Crear' means to bring something totally new into existence (like creating a painting). 'Formar' means to give structure, shape, or organization to existing elements (like forming a line or forming a committee). 'Formar' often implies structure or training.
How do I say 'to be formed by'?
You usually use the passive structure 'estar formado por' or 'constar de.' For example, 'El equipo está formado por cinco personas' (The team is formed by five people).