How to Say "to display" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to display” is “mostrar” — use this common verb when you want to physically show an object to someone, like an item you are holding or something that is in view.
mostrar
mo-STRARmosˈtɾaɾ
Examples
¿Puedes mostrarme tu pasaporte, por favor?
Can you show me your passport, please?
El museo muestra arte prehispánico.
The museum displays pre-Hispanic art.
Ella me mostró el camino a la salida.
She showed me the way to the exit.
The Special Vowel Change
In the present tense, the 'o' in the middle changes to 'ue' when the ending is stressed: yo muestro, tú muestras. BUT, for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros', it stays 'o': nosotros mostramos.
Forgetting the 'ue' change
Mistake: “Yo mostro mi casa.”
Correction: Yo muestro mi casa. Remember the 'o' becomes 'ue' in the singular forms and 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' form.
enseñar
Examples
El guía nos enseñó la catedral antigua.
The guide showed us the old cathedral.
exponer
ex-po-NAIReks.poˈneɾ
Examples
Ella va a exponer sus cuadros en la galería mañana.
She is going to exhibit her paintings in the gallery tomorrow.
El museo expone tesoros del antiguo Egipto.
The museum displays treasures from ancient Egypt.
Muchos diseñadores exponen sus ideas en esta feria.
Many designers show their ideas at this fair.
The Poner Pattern
This word works exactly like the word 'poner' (to put). If you know how to change 'poner,' you can change 'exponer' the same way!
The 'Go' Sound
In the present tense, when talking about yourself (yo), the word gains a 'g' sound: 'yo expongo'.
Regular Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo exponí mis cuadros.”
Correction: Yo expuse mis cuadros. (This word has a special 'u' change in the past, just like 'poner' becomes 'puse'.)
demostrar
deh-mohs-TRARdemoˈstɾaɾ
Examples
Ella nunca demuestra sus emociones en público.
She never shows her emotions in public.
El equipo demostró gran habilidad durante el partido.
The team displayed great skill during the match.
Quiero que me demuestres respeto.
I want you to show me respect.
Using 'Demostrar' with Emotions
When talking about feelings, demostrar often takes the place of the simpler verb mostrar to emphasize that the feeling is clearly expressed or made visible to others.
exhibir
eks-ee-BEEReksiˈβiɾ
Examples
El museo va a exhibir las obras de Picasso el próximo mes.
The museum is going to exhibit Picasso's works next month.
Debes exhibir tu identificación al entrar al edificio.
You must show your ID when entering the building.
Él siempre intenta exhibir su riqueza con coches caros.
He always tries to show off his wealth with expensive cars.
Regular IR pattern
This word follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir. If you know how to conjugate 'vivir', you already know how to conjugate 'exhibir'.
Using it with an object
This verb needs an object (the thing being shown). If you are showing yourself off, you must add 'se' to the end: 'exhibirse'.
The Silent H
Mistake: “Pronouncing the 'h' like an English 'h'.”
Correction: The 'h' is completely silent in Spanish. Pronounce it as /eks-ee-BEER/.
visualizar
bee-swah-lee-SAHRbiswaliˈθaɾ
Examples
Cierra los ojos y visualiza un lugar tranquilo.
Close your eyes and visualize a peaceful place.
No puedo visualizar el archivo en mi tableta.
I cannot view the file on my tablet.
Es importante visualizar tus metas para alcanzarlas.
It is important to picture your goals to achieve them.
The Z to C spelling swap
When a verb ends in -zar, the 'z' changes to a 'c' whenever the next letter is 'e'. This is why you say 'visualicé' instead of 'visualizé'.
Visualizing People
If you are mentally picturing a specific person, remember to use the 'personal a'. For example: 'Visualizo a mi madre'.
Spelling the Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo visualizé el resultado.”
Correction: Yo visualicé el resultado. Because of Spanish spelling rules, 'z' usually becomes 'c' before an 'e'.
Using 'Ver' vs 'Visualizar'
Mistake: “Visualizo la televisión cada noche.”
Correction: Veo la televisión cada noche. Use 'ver' for casual watching and 'visualizar' for intentional picturing or technical viewing.
presentar
preh-sehn-TAHRpɾesenˈtaɾ
Examples
El director presentará la nueva película la próxima semana.
The director will present the new movie next week.
Ella presenta un programa de noticias por las mañanas.
She hosts a news program in the mornings.
desplegar
des-play-GARdespleˈɡaɾ
Examples
El equipo desplegó un gran esfuerzo durante el partido.
The team displayed a great effort during the game.
Desplegó todo su talento en el escenario.
She showed off all her talent on stage.
Mostrar vs. Exhibir vs. Exponer
Related Translations
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