marchar
“marchar” means “march” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
march, walk
Also: parade, go
📝 In Action
Los soldados marcharon durante horas bajo la lluvia.
A2The soldiers marched for hours under the rain.
La manifestación marchó por el centro de la ciudad.
B1The demonstration walked (marched) through the center of the city.
leave, go away
Also: take off
📝 In Action
Nos marchamos después de la cena para no molestar.
B1We left after dinner so as not to bother anyone.
¿A qué hora te vas a marchar mañana?
A2What time are you going to leave tomorrow?
work, go
Also: run, be going (well/badly)
📝 In Action
El negocio marcha muy bien este trimestre.
B2The business is going very well this quarter.
Pregunté cómo marchaba la construcción de la casa.
C1I asked how the construction of the house was progressing.
El motor ya no marcha, creo que está roto.
B2The engine no longer works, I think it's broken.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: marchar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'marchar' in the figurative sense of 'to function or progress'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old Frankish word *markōn*, which meant 'to mark' or 'to trace a boundary,' evolving in Spanish to mean 'to walk along a route' and later 'to depart.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (c. 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'marchar' a strong synonym for 'caminar' (to walk)?
Yes, but 'marchar' often suggests a slightly more deliberate, formal, or measured pace than 'caminar.' It's perfect for when people are walking in a line or procession.
How do I use 'la marcha'?
'La marcha' is the noun form and has a few common meanings: 'the pace' (e.g., 'a buen marcha' = at a good pace), 'the gear' in a car, or 'a march/demonstration'.