participar
“participar” means “participate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
participate, take part
Also: be involved
📝 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.
share in
Also: have a stake, partake
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: participar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'participar' to mean 'to take part in an event'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *participāre*, which means 'to take part' or 'to share.' It is a combination of *pars* (part) and *capere* (to take). So, the word literally means 'to take a part.'
First recorded: Medieval Latin
Cognates (Related words)
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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.

