privar
“privar” means “to deprive” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to deprive
Also: to strip of
📝 In Action
La ley no puede privar a los ciudadanos de sus derechos.
B2The law cannot deprive citizens of their rights.
No te prives de comer un postre de vez en cuando.
B2Don't deprive yourself of having dessert every now and then.
El ruido me privó del sueño anoche.
C1The noise stripped me of my sleep last night.
to love
Also: to be wild about
📝 In Action
A mi madre le priva el chocolate suizo.
B2My mother is crazy about Swiss chocolate.
Me privan las películas de terror.
B2I absolutely love horror movies.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: privar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'to deprive someone of their rights'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'privare', which meant 'to separate' or 'to take away'. It is related to 'privus', meaning 'single' or 'private'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'privar' regular?
Yes, it follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar.
What is the difference between 'privar' and 'quitar'?
'Quitar' is a general word for taking something away. 'Privar' is more formal or specific, often used for rights, freedom, or things that are essential.
Can 'privar' mean to drink alcohol?
In some slang contexts (especially in Mexico), 'privar' can informally refer to drinking or getting drunk, but this is a very localized regional meaning.