How to Say "to appear" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to appear” is “aparecer” — use this common verb when something or someone suddenly comes into view or becomes visible.
aparecer
ah-pah-reh-SEHRapaɾeˈseɾ
Examples
De repente, un perro apareció en la calle.
Suddenly, a dog appeared in the street.
Ella siempre aparece tarde a las reuniones.
She always shows up late to the meetings.
El sol aparece detrás de las montañas al amanecer.
The sun appears behind the mountains at dawn.
The 'Yo' Form ZC Change
The 'c' in the stem changes to 'zc' only in the 'yo' form of the present tense ('aparezco') and throughout the present subjunctive. This is common for many -ecer verbs!
Forgetting the ZC
Mistake: “Yo apareco (Incorrect)”
Correction: Yo aparezco (Correct). Remember that 'zc' sound is needed to connect the verb back to its root.
parecer
pah-reh-SEHRpaɾeˈseɾ
Examples
Pareces cansado hoy.
You look tired today.
El examen parece difícil.
The exam seems difficult.
Parece que va a llover.
It looks like it is going to rain.
The 'Z' Change
In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes to 'parezco'. This 'zc' sound also appears in all forms of the Present Subjunctive (parezca).
Looking like vs. Looking at
Don't confuse 'parecer' (to look a certain way) with 'mirar' (to look AT something). Use 'parecer' to describe appearances.
Using 'Como'
Mistake: “Pareces como cansado.”
Correction: Pareces cansado.
salir
sah-LEERsaˈliɾ
Examples
Mira, ¡ya salió la luna!
Look, the moon is already out!
Mi nombre no salió en la lista.
My name didn't appear on the list.
¿Cuándo sale la nueva temporada de la serie?
When does the new season of the show come out?
presentarte
preh-sehn-TAR-tehpɾe.senˈtaɾ.te
Examples
Si no vas a presentarte al examen, tienes que avisar.
If you are not going to show up for the exam, you have to let us know.
¿A qué hora vas a presentarte en la oficina?
What time are you going to appear (show up) at the office?
Meaning Shift
While the non-reflexive 'presentar' means 'to hand over' or 'to introduce someone else,' the reflexive 'presentarse' often means 'to hand yourself over' or 'to show yourself' at a location.
figurar
fee-goo-RARfi.ɣuˈɾaɾ
Examples
Tu nombre no figura en la lista de invitados.
Your name does not appear on the guest list.
Muchos actores famosos figuran en los créditos finales.
Many famous actors appear in the end credits.
Ese artículo figura como el más leído del mes.
That article is listed as the most read of the month.
Use with 'en'
When saying something 'appears' in a place like a book or list, always use 'en' (in/on).
Stating Identity
Use 'como' (as) after the verb to explain what role or title someone has on a document.
English False Friend Confusion
Mistake: “Using 'figurar' to mean 'solving a math problem' (figuring out).”
Correction: Use 'resolver' or 'descifrar' for 'figuring out.' 'Figurar' means to be physically or symbolically present.
venir
beh-NEERbeˈniɾ
Examples
El manual de instrucciones viene en la caja.
The instruction manual comes in the box.
El autobús viene cada diez minutos.
The bus comes every ten minutes.
Esa noticia vino en el periódico de ayer.
That news appeared in yesterday's newspaper.
comparecer
kom-pah-reh-SEHRkompaɾeˈθer
Examples
El testigo tiene que comparecer ante el tribunal el lunes.
The witness has to appear before the court on Monday.
Es obligatorio comparecer si recibes una citación judicial.
It is mandatory to show up if you receive a court summons.
El acusado compareció ante el juez para dar su versión de los hechos.
The accused appeared before the judge to give his version of the events.
The 'ZC' Spelling Change
For this verb, when the 'c' is followed by an 'o' or an 'a', it changes to 'zc' to keep the soft 's' sound. This happens in the 'yo' form (present) and all subjunctive forms.
Using 'Ante'
When you appear 'before' an authority, always use the preposition 'ante' instead of 'delante de'.
Don't use it for friends
Mistake: “Comparecí en la fiesta de mi amigo.”
Correction: Fui a la fiesta de mi amigo. 'Comparecer' is too formal for social gatherings; use it only for official business.
Spelling Error in 'Yo' form
Mistake: “Yo compareco ante el tribunal.”
Correction: Yo comparezco ante el tribunal. Remember to add the 'z'!
Aparecer vs. Parecer
Related Translations
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