How to Say "to disseminate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to disseminate” is “difundir” — use 'difundir' when talking about spreading general knowledge, news, or culture, often through media or public channels..
difundir
/dee-foon-DEER//difunˈdiɾ/
Examples
La radio ayuda a difundir información sobre eventos locales.
The radio helps to spread information about local events.
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.
propagar
/pro-pa-GAR//pɾopaˈɣaɾ/
Examples
Los rumores se propagan rápidamente en una comunidad pequeña.
Rumors spread quickly in a small community.
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
Los científicos buscan divulgar sus hallazgos para concienciar al público.
Scientists seek to disseminate their findings to raise public awareness.
Carl Sagan trabajó mucho para divulgar la astronomía.
Carl Sagan worked hard to popularize astronomy.
El objetivo de la revista es divulgar los avances médicos.
The magazine's goal is to disseminate medical advances.
Es importante divulgar la cultura local a los turistas.
It is important to make local culture known to tourists.
Noun Connection
This sense is most often seen in its noun form, 'divulgación,' which refers to making complex topics understandable for the general public.
Difundir vs. Divulgar
Related Translations
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