Inklingo

How to Say "shows" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “shows” is “muestra” — use 'muestra' when you want to say that something (like a map or a report) displays or exhibits information or a physical object..

muestra🔊A1

Use 'muestra' when you want to say that something (like a map or a report) displays or exhibits information or a physical object.

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demuestra🔊A2

Use 'demuestra' when someone displays a quality, characteristic, or skill, or when they present something as proof.

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enseña🔊A1

Use 'enseña' (3rd person singular of 'enseñar') specifically when someone is teaching or instructing another person.

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indica🔊A2

Use 'indica' when a sign, signal, or symbol points to something or provides direction.

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programas🔊A1

Use 'programas' to refer to television or radio shows, or computer programs.

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acusa🔊B2

Use 'acusa' when a person's appearance or behavior clearly displays a sign of a physical condition or strong emotion.

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bolos🔊B2

Use 'bolos' to refer to live performances or gigs, especially for musicians or comedians.

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English → Spanish

muestra

MOO-ehs-trah/ˈmwestra/

verbA1general
Use 'muestra' when you want to say that something (like a map or a report) displays or exhibits information or a physical object.
A friendly, simple character standing and presenting a large, bright red apple to the viewer, illustrating the act of showing.

Examples

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.)

demuestra

deh-MWEHS-trah/deˈmwes.tɾa/

verbA2general
Use 'demuestra' when someone displays a quality, characteristic, or skill, or when they present something as proof.
A child holding up a bright red apple with a smile, clearly presenting it to the viewer.

Examples

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*.

enseña

en-SEH-nya/enˈseɲa/

verbA1general
Use 'enseña' (3rd person singular of 'enseñar') specifically when someone is teaching or instructing another person.
A simple illustration showing a female teacher holding a bright red apple while a young student looks up attentively, representing the act of teaching.

Examples

Mi abuela me enseña a cocinar paella.

My grandmother teaches me how to cook paella.

La guía nos enseña la entrada secreta del castillo.

The guide shows us the secret entrance to the castle.

¡Enseña tu pasaporte en la aduana!

Show your passport at customs!

Dual Meaning of Enseñar

Remember that 'enseñar' means both 'to teach' (a subject) and 'to show' (an object or direction). Context helps you know which one it is.

Direct Object Confusion

Mistake: “Ella enseña a español.”

Correction: Ella enseña español. (You don't need the 'a' before the thing being taught, only before the person being taught.)

indica

in-DI-ka/inˈdika/

verbA2general
Use 'indica' when a sign, signal, or symbol points to something or provides direction.
A stylized illustration of a friendly person wearing a red shirt, standing against a simple background. They are clearly extending their arm and index finger, pointing directly at a large, visible green directional arrow.

Examples

La flecha roja indica la salida.

The red arrow indicates the exit.

El doctor indica que debes descansar dos días.

The doctor suggests (or indicates) that you should rest for two days.

Si el mapa indica un desvío, síguelo.

If the map shows a detour, follow it.

The 'c' to 'qu' Spelling Change

Even though 'indicar' is a regular verb, whenever the letter 'c' comes before 'e' (like in the past tense 'yo' form or the special forms used for wishes), it changes to 'qu' (indiqué, indique) to keep the hard 'k' sound.

Using 'indica' for Formal Advice

You often hear 'indica' used when talking about instructions or advice from an authority (a doctor, a sign, a manual). It means 'it requires' or 'it recommends.'

Forgetting the Accent on the Past Tense

Mistake: “Él indica ayer.”

Correction: Él indicó ayer. (Always remember the accent mark on the 'ó' in the past tense 'él/ella/usted' form.)

programas

/proh-GRAH-mahs//pɾoˈɣɾamas/

nounA1general
Use 'programas' to refer to television or radio shows, or computer programs.
A vibrant illustration showing a desktop computer screen displaying four distinct, colorful application icons representing various programs.

Examples

Hay muchos programas interesantes en la televisión esta noche.

There are many interesting programs on television tonight.

Necesito actualizar los programas de mi computadora.

I need to update the programs on my computer.

Los programas de ayuda social han tenido éxito.

The social aid programs have been successful.

Masculine Noun ending in -a

Even though this word ends in -as, its singular form (programa) ends in -a. It is one of the common exceptions that is masculine, so always use 'los' or 'unos' with it.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La programas”

Correction: Los programas. Remember to use the masculine article 'los' because the original word 'programa' is masculine.

acusa

/ah-KOO-sah//aˈkusa/

verbB2general
Use 'acusa' when a person's appearance or behavior clearly displays a sign of a physical condition or strong emotion.
A person with a very bright, wide smile and rosy cheeks showing happiness.

Examples

Su rostro acusa un gran cansancio.

His face shows great tiredness.

El edificio acusa el paso de los años.

The building reveals the passage of time.

bolos

/BOH-lohs//ˈbolos/

nounB2informal
Use 'bolos' to refer to live performances or gigs, especially for musicians or comedians.
A musician playing a guitar on a small stage with a spotlight.

Examples

La banda tiene muchos bolos este verano.

The band has many gigs this summer.

muestra vs. demuestra

Learners often confuse 'muestra' and 'demuestra'. Remember: 'muestra' is for when something *displays* information or an object (like a map showing a location), while 'demuestra' is for when someone *demonstrates* a quality or skill (like patience).

Related Translations

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