representar
“representar” means “to represent” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to represent
Also: to stand for
📝 In Action
Ella representa a su país en las Olimpiadas.
A2She represents her country in the Olympics.
Esta paloma representa la paz.
A1This dove represents peace.
to perform
Also: to act
📝 In Action
El grupo de teatro va a representar Hamlet.
B1The theater group is going to perform Hamlet.
to look
Also: to involve/mean
📝 In Action
Él tiene 50 años, pero representa muchos menos.
B2He is 50, but he looks much younger.
Este cambio representa un gran esfuerzo para nosotros.
B2This change involves a great effort for us.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'repraesentare', which means to bring something before someone again or to make something present.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.