grabar
/grah-BAHR/
record
grabar: To record (audio, video, or data).
grabar(verb)
record
?audio, video, or data
tape
?film or audio
,save
?digital data (e.g., a file)
📝 In Action
¿Puedes grabar el partido de fútbol para verlo después?
A2Can you record the soccer game so we can watch it later?
Estoy grabando un mensaje de voz para mi madre.
A1I am recording a voice message for my mother.
Asegúrate de grabar todos los cambios en el documento.
B1Make sure to save all the changes in the document.
💡 Grammar Points
Simple Conjugation
Since 'grabar' is a regular '-ar' verb, you can use its endings as a template for hundreds of other common verbs like 'hablar' (to talk) and 'cantar' (to sing).
⭐ Usage Tips
Digital vs. Physical
When talking about saving files on a computer, 'grabar' is often used where English speakers might say 'save'.
grabar: To engrave (carving a design onto a surface).
grabar(verb)
engrave
?carving a design onto a surface
carve
?on wood or stone
,etch
?using acid or a tool
📝 In Action
Queremos grabar nuestras iniciales en los anillos de boda.
B1We want to engrave our initials on the wedding rings.
El artista grabó un hermoso diseño en el cristal.
B2The artist etched a beautiful design onto the crystal.
💡 Grammar Points
Action vs. Result
The past participle 'grabado' can be used as an adjective meaning 'engraved' or 'recorded': 'un anillo grabado' (an engraved ring).
grabar: To imprint (to fix something firmly in one's memory).
grabar(verb)
imprint
?to fix something firmly in one's memory
etch
?figuratively, into the mind
,impress
?to leave a lasting mark
📝 In Action
Esa imagen se grabó en mi mente para siempre.
B2That image was imprinted on my mind forever.
Sus palabras de aliento se grabaron en el corazón de los niños.
C1His words of encouragement were etched into the children's hearts.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Se' for Emotion
This meaning often uses the passive 'se' construction ('se grabó') to emphasize that the memory happened to the person, rather than them actively doing the action.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: grabar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'grabar' in its figurative meaning (to impress in the mind)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'grabar' the same as 'guardar' (to save)?
They are similar in computer contexts. 'Grabar' specifically refers to writing data onto permanent media (like burning a CD or recording a file), while 'guardar' is the general term for 'saving' a document.
How do I say 'I am recording'?
You use the present progressive tense: 'Estoy grabando.' (I am recording/taping.)