Inklingo

How to Say "they appear" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aparecen

ah-pah-REH-sen/apaˈɾesen/

VerbA1General
Use this when referring to something or someone physically coming into view or becoming visible, like an object materializing or a person entering a room.
A small, vivid blue bird suddenly emerging from behind a large, fluffy white cloud in a bright, colorful sky.

Examples

Cada mañana, los pájaros aparecen en el balcón.

Every morning, the birds appear on the balcony.

Los problemas siempre aparecen cuando menos los esperas.

Problems always show up when you least expect them.

Cuando ustedes aparecen, la fiesta se pone mejor.

When you all show up, the party gets better.

The 'c' to 'zc' Change

Even though 'aparecen' looks regular, the 'yo' form (I) is special: 'yo aparezco.' This happens in the present tense for many verbs ending in -ecer, -ucir, and -ocer.

Forgetting the Irregular 'I' Form

Mistake: “Using 'yo apareco' (incorrect)”

Correction: Always remember the 'z' in the 'I' form: 'yo aparezco' (correct).

salen

SAH-lehn/ˈsa.len/

VerbB2General
Use this when referring to people dating or a relationship being public, or when something is published or broadcast, like news or a show.
A young man and a young woman sitting close together on a park bench, sharing a milkshake with two straws, symbolizing a romantic date.

Examples

Dicen que esos dos actores salen juntos desde hace un mes.

They say those two actors have been dating for a month.

Sus nombres salen en la lista de los mejores estudiantes.

Their names appear on the list of the best students.

Visible vs. Public

The most common mistake is using 'aparecen' when you mean people are dating or a relationship is public. Remember, 'aparecen' is for physically becoming visible, while 'salen' can mean dating or being published/broadcast.

Related Translations

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