quemar
“quemar” means “burn” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
burn, set fire to
Also: scorch, incinerate
📝 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.
burn up (calories/energy), use up (time/resources)
Also: 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.
spoil, expose
Also: ruin
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quemar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the reflexive form 'quemarse'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Vulgar Latin word *cremare*, which itself derived from the classic Latin *cremo*, meaning 'to burn' or 'to consume by fire.' It has maintained its core meaning for centuries.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
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.