How to Say "to broadcast" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to broadcast” is “transmitir” — use 'transmitir' when referring to the act of sending out signals or content, especially for television, radio, or internet transmissions..
transmitir
/trahns-mee-teer//tɾansmiˈtiɾ/
Examples
Van a transmitir el partido final en directo.
They are going to broadcast the final match live.
La radio transmite música clásica todo el día.
The radio station broadcasts classical music all day.
Es importante transmitir la información correctamente.
It is important to relay the information correctly.
Using 'a' for recipients
When you relay information to someone, you must use the word 'a' before the person receiving the info (e.g., 'Transmitir el recado a María').
Broadcast vs. Program
Mistake: “Usar 'transmisión' cuando quieres decir el programa mismo.”
Correction: Use 'transmisión' for the act of broadcasting. If you mean the show itself, use 'programa'.
difundir
/dee-foon-DEER//difunˈdiɾ/
Examples
Internet ayuda a difundir las noticias rápidamente.
The internet helps to spread the news quickly.
Ellos quieren difundir su cultura por todo el mundo.
They want to spread their culture all over the world.
Es importante no difundir rumores falsos.
It is important not to spread false rumors.
Using 'Se' for 'Getting Spread'
When news spreads on its own without mentioning who did it, use the reflexive 'se': 'La noticia se difundió rápido' (The news spread quickly).
A Regular -IR Verb
Good news! This verb follows the standard patterns for -ir verbs, like 'vivir' or 'escribir.'
Difundir vs. Transmitir
Mistake: “Usamos la radio para transmitir la música.”
Correction: While both work, use 'difundir' when you want to emphasize making information reach many people, and 'transmitir' for the technical act of broadcasting a signal.
emitir
/eh-mee-TEER//e.mi.'tiɾ/
Examples
La radio emite música clásica por la noche.
The radio station broadcasts classical music at night.
Ese radiador emite mucho calor.
That radiator gives off a lot of heat.
Las antenas emiten señales de satélite.
The antennas transmit satellite signals.
It's a regular '-ir' verb
Good news! This verb follows the normal pattern for verbs ending in -ir, so there are no strange spelling changes to memorize.
Broadcasting vs. Sending
While 'enviar' means to send a physical object, use 'emitir' for things that travel as waves, like Wi-Fi or TV programs.
Avoid using 'broadcastar'
Mistake: “Están broadcastando el partido.”
Correction: Están emitiendo el partido. Spanish doesn't use a 'Spanglish' version of broadcast.
propagar
/pro-pa-GAR//pɾopaˈɣaɾ/
Examples
Las redes sociales ayudan a propagar las noticias rápidamente.
Social media helps to spread news quickly.
Es peligroso propagar rumores sin confirmar la verdad.
It is dangerous to spread rumors without confirming the truth.
El filósofo dedicó su vida a propagar sus ideales de paz.
The philosopher dedicated his life to spreading his ideals of peace.
The 'G' to 'GU' Spelling Swap
When the 'g' is followed by an 'e', we add a 'u' (propagué) to keep the sound hard like a 'g' in 'go'. Without the 'u', it would sound like an 'h'.
Action vs. Result
Use 'propagar' for the action of spreading. If you want to talk about the result or the advertisement itself, use the noun 'propaganda'.
Spelling in the Past
Mistake: “Yo propagué”
Correction: Say 'propagué' (with a U) instead of 'propage'. In Spanish, 'ge' sounds like 'he', so we need that extra 'u' to keep the original 'g' sound.
divulgar
/dee-vool-GAR//diβulˈɡaɾ/
Examples
No puedes divulgar el secreto de tu mejor amiga.
You cannot spread your best friend's secret.
La prensa divulgó la noticia del accidente esta mañana.
The press broadcast the news of the accident this morning.
Es ilegal divulgar información privada de los clientes.
It is illegal to disclose clients' private information.
The 'g' to 'gu' Spelling Change
To keep the hard 'g' sound, the 'g' changes to 'gu' before the letter 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (divulgué) and all present subjunctive forms (divulgue).
Use with Reflexive Pronouns
When a news story spreads on its own, we often use the reflexive form: 'La noticia se divulgó' (The news spread).
Confusing it with 'Popularizar'
Mistake: “Using 'divulgar' to mean making something well-liked.”
Correction: 'Divulgar' means making information known, not necessarily making it popular or liked by people.
Choosing Between 'Emitir' and 'Transmitir'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.