Inklingo

How to Say "shown" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mostrado

/mos-TRA-do//mosˈtɾaðo/

verbA2general
Use 'mostrado' when you mean something was displayed, presented, or exhibited, often in a physical or visual sense.
A person holding up a bright red apple to show it to someone else.

Examples

He mostrado mi pasaporte en la entrada.

I have shown my passport at the entrance.

Juan ha mostrado mucho talento este año.

Juan has shown a lot of talent this year.

Agradezco el interés mostrado por el equipo.

I appreciate the interest shown by the team.

El cuadro mostrado en la galería es caro.

The painting shown in the gallery is expensive.

The 'Completed Action' Form

Mostrado is the past participle of 'mostrar'. Think of it as the '-ed' ending in English. It is used with 'haber' (to have) to describe things that have already happened.

Describing Nouns

When 'mostrado' acts as a description (an adjective), it must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'mostrado' for masculine singular nouns.

Using it alone

Mistake:Yo mostrado las fotos.

Correction: He mostrado las fotos.

enseñado

past participleA1general
Use 'enseñado' specifically when 'shown' refers to the act of teaching or instructing someone.

Examples

Mi hermana ha enseñado español por cinco años.

My sister has taught Spanish for five years.

demostrado

deh-mohs-TRAH-doh/demoˈstraðo/

verbA2general
Choose 'demostrado' when 'shown' implies proving something true, demonstrating a skill, or providing evidence.
A small, cheerful storybook character holding up a single, bright red apple with both hands, clearly presenting it to the viewer.

Examples

Hemos demostrado mucha paciencia con este proyecto.

We have shown a lot of patience with this project.

¿Quién había demostrado que esto era posible antes que tú?

Who had proved that this was possible before you?

Forming Perfect Tenses

When used with the verb 'haber' (to have), 'demostrado' always stays the same, regardless of who is doing the action: 'Yo he demostrado', 'Ellos han demostrado'.

The 'To Be' Switch

When used with 'ser' (to be), 'demostrado' changes its ending to match the subject, just like an adjective: 'La teoría fue demostrada'.

indicado

een-dee-KAH-doh/indiˈkaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'indicado' when 'shown' means pointed out, specified, or indicated as the correct option.
A stylized hand with a pointing finger clearly directs attention towards a single, brightly colored red apple on a table filled with green apples.

Examples

Siga las instrucciones indicadas en la pantalla.

Follow the instructions indicated on the screen.

Los documentos indicados por el abogado ya están listos.

The documents specified by the lawyer are already ready.

The Past Participle

'Indicado' is the 'past action' form of the verb 'indicar' (to indicate). It ends in -ado because 'indicar' is an -ar verb. It's used to describe something that has already been pointed out.

Mixing up the Action

Mistake:Using 'indicado' when you mean 'indicating' (present action).

Correction: Use 'indicando' (the -ing form) for ongoing action: 'La flecha está indicando el norte.' ('The arrow is indicating north.')

Mostrado vs. Demostrado

Learners often confuse 'mostrado' (displayed/presented) with 'demostrado' (proven/demonstrated). Remember that 'mostrado' is about making something visible, while 'demostrado' is about proving a point or ability.

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