marcar
/mar-KAR/
dial
Marcar means to dial a phone number.
marcar(verb)
dial
?phone numbers
call
?usually implies dialing first
📝 In Action
Por favor, marca el código de área antes del número.
A1Please dial the area code before the number.
¿Ya marcaste el teléfono de la oficina?
A2Did you already dial the office phone number?
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Qu' Spelling Change
In the preterite 'yo' form (yo marqué) and the subjunctive, the 'c' changes to 'qu' before 'e' to keep the hard 'k' sound. This is common for -car verbs.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Marcar' and 'Llamar'
Mistake: "Using 'marcar' when you mean 'to call someone's name' (Llamar a María)."
Correction: 'Marcar' is for the physical action of dialing. Use 'llamar' for the complete communication.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Technology
This meaning is almost always restricted to dialing phone numbers, not for other digital inputs like typing a password.
Marcar means to score a goal or point in a game.
📝 In Action
El delantero marcó el gol de la victoria en el último minuto.
A2The striker scored the winning goal in the last minute.
Si marcas más puntos que yo, ganas el partido.
B1If you score more points than me, you win the game.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sports Focus
While 'anotar' also means 'to score,' 'marcar' is the preferred verb, especially when referring to the moment a goal is physically put into the net.
You can usar "marcar" to mean drawing a mark or line.
marcar(verb)
mark
?as in drawing a line or sign
,indicate
?show a specific point or time
check
?select an answer on a form
📝 In Action
El reloj marcó las doce en punto.
B1The clock indicated exactly twelve o'clock.
Debes marcar con una 'X' la casilla correcta.
B1You must mark the correct box with an 'X'.
El mapa marca dónde está el tesoro.
B2The map indicates where the treasure is.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use for Appearance
The reflexive form 'marcarse' can mean that something is visible or noticeable, often related to clothing or physique: 'Se le marcan los músculos' (His muscles show).
Marcar can also mean to leave a physical or emotional mark.
marcar(verb)
leave a mark
?physically or emotionally
,define
?establish a style or limit
indent
?leave an impression
📝 In Action
Esa experiencia marcó su vida para siempre.
B2That experience marked her life forever.
La caída le marcó la rodilla con un moretón.
B2The fall left a mark (bruise) on her knee.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'marcar' means to have a defining or lasting impact on a person, era, or style.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: marcar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'marcar' in the sense of 'to dial a phone'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'marcar' used for scoring points in all sports?
Yes, 'marcar' is widely used for scoring goals (fútbol), points (baloncesto/basketball), or even laps in racing. It covers the general idea of recording a success or achievement.
How do I say 'to mark' in the sense of 'to grade a paper'?
While 'marcar' can mean to put a mark on a paper, for the specific sense of grading or correcting a student's work, the verb 'corregir' (to correct) or 'calificar' (to grade) is more commonly used.