Inklingo

How to Say "showing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mostrando

mos-TRAHN-dohmosˈtɾando

verbA2general
Use 'mostrando' when you are making something visible or clear to others, like exhibiting objects or information.
A friendly person holding out a bright red apple in their open palm to show it to someone.

Examples

Juan está mostrando sus fotos del viaje.

Juan is showing his photos from the trip.

Me quedé mirando el escaparate, mostrando interés en el reloj.

I stood looking at the shop window, showing interest in the watch.

Están mostrando cómo usar la nueva aplicación.

They are showing how to use the new app.

The '-ando' Action

Think of '-ando' as the Spanish version of '-ing' in English. It describes an action that is happening right now when you use it with the verb 'estar' (to be).

Always the Same

The word 'mostrando' never changes its ending. It doesn't matter if a man or a woman is doing the showing, or if it's one person or many; it's always 'mostrando'.

The Stem-Change Trap

Mistake: “Using 'muestrando'.”

Correction: Use 'mostrando'. While the base verb changes to 'muestro' in some forms, the '-ando' form always stays with the letter 'o'.

enseñando

verbA1general
Use 'enseñando' when the act of 'showing' involves teaching, instructing, or demonstrating a concept or skill.

Examples

El profesor está enseñando la lección ahora mismo.

The teacher is teaching the lesson right now.

proyección

nounA2general
Use 'proyección' specifically when referring to the display of images or films on a screen or surface.

Examples

La proyección de la película empieza a las ocho.

The movie screening starts at eight o'clock.

sesión

nounA2general
Use 'sesión' to refer to a scheduled period or meeting, often for entertainment like a movie, or for professional services like therapy.

Examples

La sesión de terapia duró una hora.

The therapy session lasted an hour.

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse the verbs 'mostrando' (showing an object) and 'enseñando' (teaching or demonstrating). Remember that 'enseñando' implies instruction, while 'mostrando' is simply making something visible. Also, be careful not to use the nouns 'proyección' or 'sesión' when you mean the action of showing something.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.