presentar
/preh-sehn-TAHR/
to introduce
Presentar means 'to introduce' one person to another.
📝 In Action
Quiero presentarte a mi jefe.
A1I want to introduce you to my boss.
¿Ya presentaste a tu novio a tus padres?
A2Did you already introduce your boyfriend to your parents?
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Pronouns
When introducing someone, you often use a direct object pronoun (like 'te' or 'lo') before the verb: 'Te presento a mi amigo' (I introduce you to my friend).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Introducir'
Mistake: "Using 'introducir' for people ('Introduje a mi madre a mi novio')."
Correction: Always use 'presentar' for introducing people socially. 'Introducir' means to insert or put something inside.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Introductions
For formal introductions, use 'Le presento a...' (I introduce you (formal) to...).
We use presentar when we 'submit' documents or applications.
presentar(verb)
to submit
?documents, reports, or applications
,to hand in
?homework or paperwork
to file
?a complaint or tax return
📝 In Action
Necesitas presentar la solicitud antes del viernes.
B1You need to submit the application before Friday.
Mi abogado presentó las pruebas al juez.
B2My lawyer presented the evidence to the judge (or submitted the evidence).
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Direct Objects
This meaning always requires a direct object: you must 'presentar' something (the document, the report, the complaint).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This sense is very common in formal language, especially regarding official paperwork, deadlines, and legal matters.
Presentar is used when you 'present' a plan, show, or product.
presentar(verb)
to present
?a plan, show, or product
,to host
?a TV show or event
to display
?an artistic work
📝 In Action
El director presentará la nueva película la próxima semana.
B2The director will present the new movie next week.
Ella presenta un programa de noticias por las mañanas.
B2She hosts a news program in the mornings.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If the object is a TV show or event, 'presentar' means 'to host.' If it's a new product or idea, it means 'to unveil' or 'to present.'
In certain contexts, presentar means 'to show up' or arrive.
presentar(verb)
to show up
?to arrive or appear
,to introduce oneself
?socially
to run (for office)
?political candidacy
📝 In Action
Me presenté a la entrevista a tiempo.
A2I showed up for the interview on time.
Permítame presentarme: soy Carmen.
A1Allow me to introduce myself: I am Carmen.
El candidato se presentará en las próximas elecciones.
B2The candidate will run in the next elections.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Requirement
When you use 'presentar' to mean 'to introduce myself' or 'to show up,' you must use the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os) because the action is done by the person to themselves.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Saying 'Yo presento en la fiesta' (I present at the party) when you mean 'I showed up at the party.'"
Correction: Use 'Yo me presento en la fiesta' (I show myself/I show up). Without 'me,' it means you are hosting or submitting something.
⭐ Usage Tips
Imperative Accent
When attaching the pronoun to a positive command (imperative), remember to add an accent mark: '¡Preséntate!' (Introduce yourself/Show up!)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: presentar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'presentar' to mean 'to show up'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'presentar' means 'introduce' or 'submit'?
Look at the direct object. If you are presenting a person to another person, it means 'introduce' (A1). If you are presenting a document, report, or application, it means 'submit' or 'hand in' (B1).
Is 'presentarse' always reflexive?
Yes. When used to mean 'to show up' or 'to introduce oneself,' it is always used with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.). If you leave the pronoun off, the meaning changes entirely to hosting or submitting something.