Inklingo

How to Say "show!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

muestra

MOO-ehs-trah/ˈmwestra/

verbA1formal
Use 'muestra' as a formal command (usted form) when telling someone to display or exhibit something, or when describing something that reveals information.
A friendly, simple character standing and presenting a large, bright red apple to the viewer, illustrating the act of showing.

Examples

¡Muestra tu identificación para entrar!

Show your identification to enter!

El mapa muestra dónde estamos.

The map shows where we are.

Él siempre muestra mucha confianza.

He always displays a lot of confidence.

¡Muestra tu pasaporte, por favor!

Show your passport, please! (Formal command)

Stem-Changing Verb

This verb is irregular because the 'o' in the middle changes to 'ue' in most present tense forms, including muestra. Remember that 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you all in Spain) are exceptions and use 'o' (mostramos).

Forgetting the Change

Mistake: “Él *mostra* la foto.”

Correction: Él *muestra* la foto. (The vowel must change from 'o' to 'ue' in this form.)

presenta

preh-SEHN-tah/pɾeˈsen.ta/

verbA1informal
Use 'presenta' as an informal command (tú form) when telling someone to display or hand over something, like an official document.
One person is giving a strong, direct gesture and command towards a second person, urging them to step forward and introduce themselves to a third person.

Examples

¡Presenta tu pasaporte en la aduana!

Present your passport at customs!

Presenta tu idea al grupo ahora mismo.

Present your idea to the group right now.

The Informal Command

In Spanish, the informal command form (telling 'tú' what to do) often looks exactly like the 'él/ella/usted' present tense form. So 'presenta' means both 'he presents' and 'Present!'

Using the wrong command form

Mistake: “Using the infinitive 'presentar' when giving a command to a friend.”

Correction: Use the conjugated command form 'presenta' instead of the base form 'presentar.'

Formal vs. Informal Commands

The most common confusion is between 'muestra' (formal 'usted' command) and 'presenta' (informal 'tú' command). Remember that 'muestra' is for when you are addressing someone formally, while 'presenta' is for informal situations.

Related Translations

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