presentarte
/preh-sehn-TAR-teh/
to introduce yourself
Use 'presentarte' when you need to introduce yourself to someone.
presentarte(verb)
to introduce yourself
?social context
to present yourself
?formal or literal context
📝 In Action
Antes de empezar la clase, tienes que presentarte.
A1Before starting the class, you have to introduce yourself.
No olvides presentarte a la jefa cuando llegues.
A2Don't forget to introduce yourself to the boss when you arrive.
💡 Grammar Points
The '-te' Ending
The 'te' means 'yourself' (for the informal 'tú'). The action of presenting goes back to the person speaking. This is called a reflexive verb.
Attaching the Pronoun
When using the infinitive (like 'presentar'), the reflexive pronoun ('te') is always attached to the end, forming one word: 'presentarte'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'te'
Mistake: "Quiero presentar a mi nuevo amigo. (I want to introduce my new friend.)"
Correction: Quiero presentarme a mi nuevo amigo. (I want to introduce myself to my new friend.) The 'te' or 'me' is essential when the subject and object are the same person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Command Form
To tell someone 'Introduce yourself!', you attach the 'te' to the command form: '¡Preséntate!'
This meaning refers to show up or arrive for an event or appointment.
presentarte(verb)
to show up
?arrival/attendance
,to appear
?showing up at a location
to attend
?formal attendance
📝 In Action
Si no vas a presentarte al examen, tienes que avisar.
B1If you are not going to show up for the exam, you have to let us know.
¿A qué hora vas a presentarte en la oficina?
B1What time are you going to appear (show up) at the office?
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift
While the non-reflexive 'presentar' means 'to hand over' or 'to introduce someone else,' the reflexive 'presentarse' often means 'to hand yourself over' or 'to show yourself' at a location.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Arrival
Use 'llegar' (to arrive) for simple arrival. Use 'presentarse' when there is an expectation of attendance or a formal requirement (like a court date or a job interview).
You can use 'presentarte' when talking about to apply (for) a job or position.
presentarte(verb)
to apply (for)
?jobs/positions
,to run (for office)
?political context
to submit one's candidacy
?very formal
📝 In Action
Si quieres el puesto de director, debes presentarte a la convocatoria.
B2If you want the director position, you must apply for the call for candidates.
El presidente dijo que no iba a presentarte para la reelección.
C1The president said he wasn't going to run for re-election.
💡 Grammar Points
Preposition Use
When 'presentarse' means 'to apply' or 'to run for,' it is often followed by the preposition 'a' (to/for) or 'para' (for).
⭐ Usage Tips
Professional Context
In job applications, 'presentarse' is slightly more formal than 'solicitar' and emphasizes putting yourself forward as the candidate.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: presentarte
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates 'Tienes que presentarte mañana a las 9'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'presentarte' one word, but sometimes I see 'te vas a presentar' as two words?
When the verb is in the infinitive form ('presentar'), the pronoun ('te') must attach to the end, making it one word. However, if you use a helping verb (like 'ir a' for the near future, 'vas a'), the pronoun can move to the front of the infinitive, staying separate: 'te vas a presentar'.
Does 'presentar' (non-reflexive) ever mean 'to introduce'?
Yes! 'Presentar' (without the 'te') means 'to introduce *someone else*.' For example, 'Voy a presentar a mi hermana' means 'I am going to introduce my sister.'