Inklingo
Dictionary

representar

reh-preh-sehn-TARrepɾesenˈtaɾ

“representar” means “to represent” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

to representA2Verb

acting on behalf of a person, group, or country

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to performB1Verb

a play or a show

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to lookB2Verb

appearing to be a certain age

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to representAlso: to stand for

VerbA2regular ar
A person standing at a podium with a flag behind them, addressing a group of people.
gerundrepresentando
past Participlerepresentado
infinitiverepresentar

📝 In Action

Ella representa a su país en las Olimpiadas.

A2

She represents her country in the Olympics.

Esta paloma representa la paz.

A1

This dove represents peace.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • representar un papel – to play a role

to performAlso: to act

VerbB1regular ar
Two actors in colorful costumes performing on a wooden stage with a red velvet curtain.
gerundrepresentando
past Participlerepresentado
infinitiverepresentar

📝 In Action

El grupo de teatro va a representar Hamlet.

B1

The theater group is going to perform Hamlet.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • representar una obra – to perform a play

to lookAlso: to involve/mean

VerbB2regular ar
An older person with gray hair and glasses smiling warmly.
gerundrepresentando
past Participlerepresentado
infinitiverepresentar

📝 In Action

Él tiene 50 años, pero representa muchos menos.

B2

He is 50, but he looks much younger.

Este cambio representa un gran esfuerzo para nosotros.

B2

This change involves a great effort for us.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yorepresentara
túrepresentaras
él/ella/ustedrepresentara
nosotrosrepresentáramos
vosotrosrepresentarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesrepresentaran

Present Subjunctive

yorepresente
túrepresentes
él/ella/ustedrepresente
nosotrosrepresentemos
vosotrosrepresentéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesrepresenten

Indicative

Preterite

yorepresenté
túrepresentaste
él/ella/ustedrepresentó
nosotrosrepresentamos
vosotrosrepresentasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesrepresentaron

Imperfect

yorepresentaba
túrepresentabas
él/ella/ustedrepresentaba
nosotrosrepresentábamos
vosotrosrepresentabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesrepresentaban

Present

yorepresento
túrepresentas
él/ella/ustedrepresenta
nosotrosrepresentamos
vosotrosrepresentáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesrepresentan
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Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "representar" in Spanish:

to actto lookto performto represent

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: representar

Question 1 of 2

If you are acting in a play at school, which verb describes what you are doing?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
representante(representative) — Noun
representación(representation/performance) — Noun
representativo(representative) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
cantarhablar
📚 Etymology

From Latin 'repraesentare', which means to bring something before someone again or to make something present.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: representFrench: représenter

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'representar' a regular verb?

Yes, it is a completely regular -ar verb in all tenses.

Can I use it to mean 'to stand for' a symbol?

Yes, just like in English, a heart can 'representar' love.