Inklingo

How to Say "exhibits" in Spanish

English → Spanish

presenta

preh-SEHN-tah/pɾeˈsen.ta/

VerbA1Formal
Use 'presenta' when someone (he/she/it/formal you) is introducing another person to a group, or when a person displays a symptom of an illness.
Three people meeting. A central figure is introducing two other people who are shaking hands, symbolizing the act of introduction.

Examples

El doctor presenta los resultados de la investigación.

The doctor presents the research results.

Ella presenta a su nuevo colega a todo el equipo.

She introduces her new colleague to the entire team.

El director presenta las cifras de ventas de este mes.

The director presents this month's sales figures.

El paciente presenta síntomas leves de la gripe.

The patient exhibits mild flu symptoms.

Dual Role of 'Presenta'

'Presenta' is the verb form used when talking about 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or the formal 'you' (usted) doing the action right now.

Mixing up Presentar and Introducir

Mistake: “Using 'introducir' when introducing a person (e.g., *Él introduce a su amigo*).”

Correction: Always use 'presentar' when introducing people: 'Él presenta a su amigo.'

demuestra

deh-MWEHS-trah/deˈmwes.tɾa/

VerbA2Formal
Use 'demuestra' when someone is showing or proving a quality, skill, or characteristic, often in a more formal display or demonstration.
A child holding up a bright red apple with a smile, clearly presenting it to the viewer.

Examples

Ella demuestra gran habilidad en la cocina.

She demonstrates great skill in the kitchen.

Ella demuestra mucha paciencia con los niños.

She shows a lot of patience with the children.

El museo demuestra una colección de arte moderno.

The museum displays a modern art collection.

¡Demuestra que puedes hacerlo! (Tú, command)

Show that you can do it!

Verb Function

"Demuestra" can mean 'he/she/it shows' or 'you (formal) show' right now. It can also be the informal command 'Show!'

The 'O to UE' Change

The verb 'demostrar' is irregular because the 'o' changes to 'ue' in most present tense forms, like 'demuestra,' but not in 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' (e.g., 'demostramos').

Missing the Stem Change

Mistake: “Using *demostra* instead of *demuestra*.”

Correction: Remember the 'o' changes to 'ue': *demuestra*. This pattern is shared by many Spanish verbs like *poder* and *volver*.

Distinguishing 'presenta' and 'demuestra'

Learners often confuse these when 'exhibits' means showing a quality. Remember, 'demuestra' is for proving or displaying a quality (like patience or skill), while 'presenta' is more for introducing someone or showing a symptom. Don't use 'presenta' for abstract qualities.

Related Translations

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