recordar
“recordar” means “to remember” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to remember
Also: to recall
📝 In Action
¿Recuerdas cómo se llama ese restaurante?
A2Do you remember what that restaurant is called?
No recuerdo dónde dejé las llaves.
A1I don't remember where I left the keys.
Siempre recordamos nuestras vacaciones en la playa.
B1We always remember our vacation at the beach.
to remind
Also: to look like
📝 In Action
Ella me recuerda mucho a su madre.
B1She reminds me a lot of her mother (or she looks a lot like her mother).
Mi alarma me recordó la hora de la reunión.
A2My alarm reminded me of the time of the meeting.
El jefe nos recordó que el informe es urgente.
B2The boss reminded us that the report is urgent.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recordar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'recordar' to mean 'to remember' (you remember a thing)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *recordāri*, which literally means 'to pass back through the heart' (*re-* meaning 'again' and *cor/cordis* meaning 'heart' or 'mind'). This shows that ancient Romans thought memory came from the heart!
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'recordar' y 'acordarse'?
Both mean 'to remember.' The main difference is grammatical: 'Recordar' is usually used transitively (it acts directly on the object: 'Recuerdo su cara'). 'Acordarse' is reflexive and requires the small word 'de' before the object: 'Me acuerdo de su cara.' They are often interchangeable in meaning.
How do I use 'recordar' to give a command?
You use the imperative mood forms, which also have the 'o' to 'ue' stem change: '¡Recuerda comprar leche!' (Remember to buy milk!) or, more formally, 'Recuerde pasar por la oficina.' (Remember to stop by the office.)