participar
/par-tee-see-PAR/
participate
Participar means to join an activity, like these friends building a tower together.
participar(verb)
participate
?join an activity
,take part
?be involved in something
be involved
?generally
📝 In Action
¿Vas a participar en la maratón de este año?
A2Are you going to participate in this year's marathon?
Ella siempre participa activamente en las clases.
B1She always takes an active part in the classes.
Todos los departamentos tienen que participar en la nueva estrategia.
B2All departments have to be involved in the new strategy.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'en' with Participar
To say what you are participating in, you almost always need the preposition 'en' (in/at). For example: 'Participamos en la conferencia.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing Preposition
Mistake: "Quiero participar la reunión."
Correction: Quiero participar **en** la reunión. (The verb 'participar' needs 'en' to link it to the activity or event.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Involvement
'Participar' emphasizes that you are actively contributing or present, not just watching. Use it when you mean 'to join in.'
When you participar in something, you share in it, like splitting a tasty treat.
participar(verb)
share in
?profits, ownership, or feelings
have a stake
?in a business
,partake
?formal/literary
📝 In Action
Los empleados participan de un porcentaje de las ganancias anuales.
B2The employees share in a percentage of the annual profits.
Todos participamos de la tristeza que sentía la familia.
C1We all shared in the sadness the family felt.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de' for Sharing
When 'participar' means to share in something (like profits, joy, or ownership), it is often followed by the preposition 'de' (of/from). This is different from the 'en' used for activities.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This meaning is more common in written contracts, financial reports, or when expressing deep shared feelings. For simple sharing (like food), use 'compartir'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: participar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'participar' to mean 'to take part in an event'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'participar en' and 'participar de'?
'Participar en' means you are actively involved in an activity or event (like a game or a meeting). 'Participar de' usually means you are sharing or receiving a portion of something, like profits or a feeling, and is often more formal.