ofrecer
“ofrecer” means “to offer” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to offer, to provide
Also: to propose, to give
📝 In Action
El camarero nos ofreció café y postre.
A1The waiter offered us coffee and dessert.
Le ofrecí mi ayuda para mover los muebles.
A2I offered him my help to move the furniture.
La empresa ofrece un servicio de atención al cliente excelente.
B1The company provides excellent customer service.
to volunteer, to become available
Also: to present oneself
📝 In Action
Ella se ofreció para organizar la fiesta.
B1She volunteered to organize the party.
Se nos ofreció una gran oportunidad de trabajo.
B2A great job opportunity became available to us (or: offered itself to us).
¿Te ofreces a llevarme al aeropuerto?
B1Are you offering to take me to the airport?
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ofrecer
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the special 'yo' form of ofrecer in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin *offerere*, meaning 'to bring forward' or 'to present.' It is formed by combining the prefix *ob-* (towards, against) and *ferre* (to carry, to bring).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'ofrecer' change to 'ofrezco' in the 'yo' form?
This is a common pattern for many Spanish verbs that end in '-ecer' or '-ucir.' The change from 'c' to 'zc' helps maintain a consistent sound and is considered an irregularity you just have to memorize for the present indicative 'yo' form and the entire present subjunctive.
Is 'ofrecer' only used for positive things?
No. While it often involves giving help or goods, you can also 'ofrecer resistencia' (offer resistance) or 'ofrecer peligro' (present danger). It simply means 'to present' or 'to put forward,' whether good or bad.