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How to Say "declare" in Spanish

English → Spanish

anunciar

/ah-noon-see-ar//aˈnunθjaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'anunciar' when you are making a public statement about something new, like news, plans, or decisions, often with a sense of informing or revealing.
A stylized person standing on a small red stage, holding a golden scroll and addressing two small, attentive figures below. The scene represents a formal declaration.

Examples

El presidente anunció nuevas medidas económicas.

The president announced new economic measures.

Vamos a anunciar nuestra boda este fin de semana.

We are going to announce our wedding this weekend.

La tormenta fue anunciada por un cambio brusco de viento.

The storm was heralded (or announced) by a sudden change in the wind.

Using 'Que'

When announcing a fact or piece of news, you often follow 'anunciar' with 'que' plus the normal present tense (indicative): 'Anuncian que el tren llega tarde.'

Mixing up 'anunciar' and 'avisar'

Mistake: “Usando 'anunciar' para dar una advertencia personal.”

Correction: 'Avisar' means to warn or give a personal heads-up, while 'anunciar' is for general or formal declarations. Say 'Te aviso que voy tarde' (I warn you I'm late).

declarar

deh-klah-RAHR/de.klaˈɾaɾ/

verbA2formal
Use 'declarar' when you are making a formal or official statement, often in a legal, political, or very serious context, to assert or proclaim something officially.
A person in formal attire stands at a wooden podium, holding a rolled-up scroll and speaking assertively, representing a formal declaration.

Examples

El presidente declaró el estado de emergencia.

The president declared a state of emergency.

La junta directiva declaró que las ganancias aumentaron.

The board of directors announced that profits increased.

Using 'Declarar' with 'Que'

When you use 'declarar' to report a fact or statement ('They declared that...'), you use the normal verb form (indicative): 'Declararon que el tren venía tarde.'

Confusing Announce and Declare

Mistake: “Using 'anunciar' for formal, legal declarations.”

Correction: While 'anunciar' means 'to announce,' 'declarar' is better for serious, official statements, like declaring taxes or a state of emergency.

Anunciar vs. Declarar

The most common mistake is using 'declarar' for general announcements. Remember that 'declarar' implies a more formal, official, or definitive statement, whereas 'anunciar' is for informing or revealing news or plans.

Related Translations

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