Inklingo

How to Say "carry out" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “carry out” is “realizar” — use 'realizar' when you need to perform a task, an operation, or an action, often implying a practical or procedural execution..

English → Spanish

realizar

rreh-ah-lee-SAR/re.a.liˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'realizar' when you need to perform a task, an operation, or an action, often implying a practical or procedural execution.
A cartoon character in overalls carefully placing the last piece onto a small wooden structure, signifying the completion of a task.

Examples

El equipo necesita realizar la prueba antes del viernes.

The team needs to carry out the test before Friday.

¿Cuándo van a realizar el pago?

When are they going to make the payment?

La policía realizó una investigación sobre el caso.

The police conducted an investigation into the case.

Spelling Change for Sound

In the preterite 'yo' form and all present subjunctive forms, the 'z' changes to a 'c' (realicé, realice) to keep the soft 's' sound before 'e'.

False Cognate Alert

Mistake: “Using 'realizar' when you mean 'to notice' or 'to understand' (the English 'to realize').”

Correction: Use 'darse cuenta de' instead. For example, 'Me di cuenta de que llovía' (I realized it was raining).

cumplir

koom-PLEER/kumˈpliɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'cumplir' when referring to fulfilling or completing a promise, an order, a duty, or an obligation.
A storybook illustration showing one person happily handing a large golden key to another person, symbolizing the fulfillment of a promise or duty.

Examples

El presidente prometió cumplir sus promesas de campaña.

The president promised to carry out his campaign promises.

Debemos cumplir con el contrato antes de fin de mes.

We must carry out the contract before the end of the month.

Si no cumples tu palabra, nadie te creerá.

If you don't keep your word, no one will believe you.

Using 'Con'

When 'cumplir' means 'to comply with' a rule or requirement, it is often followed by the little word 'con': 'Tienes que cumplir con las normas' (You have to comply with the rules).

Cumplir vs. Realizar

Learners often confuse 'cumplir' and 'realizar' because both can refer to completing something. Remember that 'cumplir' is typically for obligations and promises, while 'realizar' is for performing tasks or actions.

Related Translations

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