mostrar
“mostrar” means “to show” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to show, to display
Also: to point out
📝 In Action
¿Puedes mostrarme tu pasaporte, por favor?
A1Can you show me your passport, please?
El museo muestra arte prehispánico.
A2The museum displays pre-Hispanic art.
Ella me mostró el camino a la salida.
A2She showed me the way to the exit.
to demonstrate, to prove
Also: to exhibit (a quality)
📝 In Action
Los datos muestran que la economía está mejorando.
B1The data demonstrates that the economy is improving.
Debemos mostrar respeto por las reglas.
B1We must show respect for the rules.
El informe mostró resultados inesperados.
B2The report proved/showed unexpected results.
to appear to be, to reveal oneself
Also: to express
📝 In Action
Ella siempre se muestra muy amable con los clientes.
B2She always appears/shows herself to be very kind to the clients.
Después de la pelea, él se mostró arrepentido.
B2After the fight, he appeared remorseful.
Es difícil mostrar alegría cuando estás triste.
C1It is difficult to express joy when you are sad.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mostrar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mostrar' in the sense of expressing an emotion?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *monstrare*, which meant 'to point out' or 'to indicate.' This root connects directly to its modern meaning of presenting something for view.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mostrar' only used for physical objects?
No. While it is very common for physical objects ('Show me the keys'), it is equally used for abstract things like feelings ('mostrar respeto') or evidence ('mostrar la verdad').
What is the difference between 'mostrar' and 'enseñar'?
Both mean 'to show,' but 'enseñar' often carries the additional meaning of 'to teach.' If you are showing someone how to do something, 'enseñar' is usually better. If you are just displaying an object, 'mostrar' works perfectly.