penetrar
“penetrar” means “to penetrate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to penetrate
Also: to pierce, to enter
📝 In Action
La lluvia logró penetrar en el techo de la cabaña.
B1The rain managed to penetrate the roof of the cabin.
La luz del sol penetra a través de las cortinas.
B1The sunlight pierces through the curtains.
Nuestra empresa quiere penetrar en el mercado asiático.
B2Our company wants to enter the Asian market.
to fathom
Also: to grasp, to see into
📝 In Action
Nadie ha podido penetrar el misterio de su desaparición.
C1No one has been able to fathom the mystery of his disappearance.
Sus ojos parecían penetrar mi alma.
C1His eyes seemed to see into my soul.
Es difícil penetrar las intenciones reales del político.
C2It is hard to grasp the politician's real intentions.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: penetrar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'penetrar' in a physical sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'penetrare,' which shares roots with 'penus' (the innermost part of a temple or house).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'penetrar' used often in daily conversation?
Not really. It's more formal or dramatic. In everyday life, people use 'entrar' (to enter) or 'atravesar' (to go through).
Does it have the same sexual connotation as in English?
Yes, it can be used in a medical or sexual context, so be mindful of your surroundings, though its primary use in literature and business is perfectly neutral.
What is a 'mirada penetrante'?
It translates to a 'piercing stare.' It describes someone looking at you very intensely, as if they can see your secrets.