quemar
/keh-MAHR/
burn
Quemar can mean 'to burn' using fire or heat.
quemar(Verb)
burn
?use fire/heat
,set fire to
scorch
?damage slightly
,incinerate
?destroy completely
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que quemar las hojas secas del jardín.
A1We had to burn the dry leaves in the garden.
El sol fuerte puede quemar la pintura del coche.
A2The strong sun can burn the car's paint.
¡Cuidado! Casi quemas el pan tostado.
A1Be careful! You almost burned the toast.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular Verb
This verb follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -AR, so once you know the pattern, you know how to use 'quemar' in every tense!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Transitive and Reflexive
Mistake: "El sol me quemó (The sun burned me.)"
Correction: The sun burned MYSELF: 'Me quemé con el sol.' (I got burned by the sun.) Use the reflexive form when the person is the one getting hurt.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Incendiar' for Big Fires
Use 'incendiar' only when talking about starting a large, destructive fire (like a building or forest). Use 'quemar' for smaller, controllable fires or damage.
When talking about diet and exercise, quemar means 'to burn up' calories or energy.
quemar(Verb)
burn up (calories/energy)
?diet and exercise
,use up (time/resources)
waste (time)
📝 In Action
Hoy quemé 500 calorías en el gimnasio.
A2Today I burned 500 calories at the gym.
Ella quema mucha energía con su trabajo.
B1She uses up a lot of energy with her job.
No podemos quemar todo el presupuesto en un solo proyecto.
B2We can't use up the entire budget on just one project.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
In these contexts, 'quemar' means 'to use or spend,' similar to how we might say 'burn through cash' in English, but it is much more common in Spanish for calories and energy.
⭐ Usage Tips
Burning Time
When referring to time, 'quemar el tiempo' often implies wasting it, although 'perder el tiempo' (to lose time) is also very common.
Quemar can also mean 'to spoil' a surprise or plan by revealing it too early.
📝 In Action
No le digas nada, ¡no quemes la película!
B2Don't tell him anything, don't spoil the movie!
El escándalo quemó su carrera política.
C1The scandal ruined his political career.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Damage
Think of this meaning as causing severe, irreparable damage to something non-physical, like a reputation or a secret.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
This meaning is often used when discussing media (movies/books) or secrets. If you hear 'quemar' applied to a person or a plan, it usually means 'to ruin' them.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quemar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the reflexive form 'quemarse'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'quemar' versus 'incendiar'?
'Quemar' is the general verb for burning, whether it's a small object, food, or calories. 'Incendiar' is specifically used for starting a large, uncontrolled, or destructive fire, like setting a building or forest ablaze.
How do I say 'I got a sunburn'?
You must use the reflexive form: 'Me quemé con el sol.' (I burned myself with the sun.) You would not say 'El sol me quemó' (The sun burned me), as the reflexive structure is standard for injuries or damage to your own body.