marcar
“marcar” means “dial” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
dial
Also: call
📝 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?
score
Also: net
📝 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.
mark, indicate
Also: check
📝 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.
leave a mark, define
Also: indent
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: marcar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'marcar' in the sense of 'to dial a phone'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Germanic root *marka, meaning 'border' or 'sign.' This root was adopted into Vulgar Latin and then into Spanish, keeping the core idea of setting a boundary or leaving a sign.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.