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How to Say "to devise" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to devise” is “idear” — use this word when you are planning or creating a strategy, often for a social event or a general approach.

English → Spanish

idear

ee-deh-ahri.ðeˈaɾ

verbB1general
Use this word when you are planning or creating a strategy, often for a social event or a general approach.
A small bird using a twig to reach a piece of fruit on a high branch.

Examples

Tenemos que idear un plan para la fiesta de cumpleaños.

We have to think up a plan for the birthday party.

Ella ideó un sistema nuevo para organizar los libros.

She devised a new system for organizing the books.

El arquitecto ideó una estructura que resiste terremotos.

The architect designed a structure that resists earthquakes.

A Fully Regular Verb

Good news! This verb follows all the standard rules for verbs ending in -ar. It doesn't have any tricky spelling changes or weird stem swaps.

Idear vs. Pensar

While 'pensar' is just the act of thinking, 'idear' implies you are actually building something in your mind—like a blueprint or a creative solution.

Using 'pensar' for creative acts

Mistake: “Pensé un plan muy complejo.”

Correction: Ideé un plan muy complejo.

inventar

een-ben-TARimbenˈtaɾ

verbA2general
This is best for when you are creating something entirely new, like a device, a story, or a system that didn't exist before.
A friendly inventor in a workshop holding a unique, glowing mechanical gadget with gears and light bulbs.

Examples

Thomas Edison inventó la bombilla.

Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.

Quiero inventar una aplicación para aprender idiomas.

I want to invent an app for learning languages.

A Friendly Regular Verb

Inventar follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in 'ar,' which makes it one of the easiest groups to conjugate!

Inventing vs. Discovering

Mistake: “Using 'inventar' for things that already existed.”

Correction: Use 'descubrir' (to discover) for things that were already there but hidden, like a new planet or a chemical element. Use 'inventar' for things you create from scratch.

concebir

kon-seh-BEERkonseˈβiɾ

verbB2general
Use this when referring to the initial conception or formation of a complex idea, plan, or design, often with an element of innovation.
A hand drawing a simple blueprint of a birdhouse on a piece of paper.

Examples

El arquitecto concibió un edificio innovador.

The architect devised an innovative building.

Concibieron el plan durante una cena.

They came up with the plan during a dinner.

Es una estrategia bien concebida.

It is a well-thought-out strategy.

Abstract Usage

This meaning uses the verb exactly like the English 'to conceive an idea.' It implies the very beginning of a creative process.

trazar

tra-SARtɾaˈsaɾ

verbB2general
This word is used when you are carefully outlining or drawing up a detailed plan or strategy, especially for future actions.
A person looking at a large blueprint or layout on a table, pointing at a specific path.

Examples

Debemos trazar un plan de acción para el próximo año.

We must devise an action plan for next year.

El gobierno trazó una nueva política económica.

The government outlined a new economic policy.

Trazaron su futuro con mucha ambición.

They mapped out their future with a lot of ambition.

Abstract Usage

When used for plans or goals, 'trazar' implies that you are setting a clear, visible path to follow, much like a line on a map.

discurrir

dees-koo-reerdiskuˈrir

verbC1general
Choose this verb when the emphasis is on the mental process of inventing or figuring out a plan or solution, often under pressure.
A person sitting under a tree with a bright glowing lightbulb appearing above their head.

Examples

Tuvo que discurrir un plan para escapar.

He had to devise a plan to escape.

Déjame discurrir un poco antes de decidir.

Let me think/reason for a bit before deciding.

Es capaz de discurrir soluciones brillantes.

He is capable of coming up with brilliant solutions.

Mental Movement

Think of this meaning as your thoughts 'flowing' toward a solution. It's the mental version of water flowing.

Using it for simple thoughts

Mistake: “Discurro que es tarde.”

Correction: Pienso que es tarde. Use 'discurrir' for deeper reasoning or invention, not for simple opinions.

Ideate vs. Invent

Learners often confuse 'idear' and 'inventar'. Remember, 'inventar' implies creating something truly novel, while 'idear' is more about brainstorming or coming up with a plan or strategy, which may not be entirely new.

Related Translations

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