humillar
“humillar” means “to humiliate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to humiliate
Also: to shame, to put down
📝 In Action
No es necesario humillar a nadie para ganar.
A2It's not necessary to humiliate anyone to win.
El equipo rival nos humilló con un marcador de cinco a cero.
B1The rival team humiliated us with a score of five to zero.
Ella se sintió humillada cuando el profesor la corrigió frente a todos.
B2She felt humiliated when the teacher corrected her in front of everyone.
to humble oneself
Also: to bow down, to grovel
📝 In Action
Nunca me humillaré ante un tirano.
B2I will never bow down before a tyrant.
Tuvo que humillarse y pedir ayuda a su enemigo.
C1He had to humble himself and ask his enemy for help.
Los fieles se humillaron ante el altar.
C1The faithful bowed down before the altar.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: humillar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'I humiliate them'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'humiliare' (to make low), which comes from 'humilis' (lowly, near the ground). This shares a root with 'humus' (ground/soil).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'humillar' always a bad thing?
In modern conversation, yes, it usually means bullying or shaming. However, in religious contexts, 'humillarse' (to humble oneself) can be seen as a virtue of modesty.
What's the difference between 'avergonzar' and 'humillar'?
'Avergonzar' is to embarrass someone (like telling a funny story about them). 'Humillar' is much deeper and more painful; it attacks someone's dignity.
How do you say 'It was humiliating'?
You would use the related adjective: 'Fue humillante'.