How to Say "to emit" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to emit” is “emitir” — use 'emitir' when referring to the broadcasting of light, sound, radio waves, or general emissions like smells.
emitir
eh-mee-TEERe.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.
desprender
des-pren-DERdespɾenˈdeɾ
Examples
Las flores desprenden un aroma delicioso por la mañana.
The flowers give off a delicious scent in the morning.
El motor desprende mucho calor después de un viaje largo.
The engine gives off a lot of heat after a long trip.
Su sonrisa desprende una alegría contagiosa.
Her smile radiates a contagious joy.
Invisible Actions
Unlike the first meaning, here the word describes something 'flowing out' of a source, like gas, light, or feelings.
exhalar
eks-ah-LAHReksaˈlaɾ
Examples
La flor exhalaba un aroma delicioso.
The flower gave off a delicious scent.
Ella exhaló un suspiro de alivio cuando vio que estaba a salvo.
She let out a sigh of relief when she saw she was safe.
El pantano exhalaba gases tóxicos.
The marsh was emitting toxic gases.
Abstract Use
You can use this for sounds like sighs or moans, not just air or smells. It makes your writing sound more elegant.
expulsar
ex-pool-SAReks.pulˈsaɾ
Examples
El volcán empezó a expulsar ceniza y humo.
The volcano began to emit ash and smoke.
El motor expulsa demasiados gases contaminantes.
The engine emits too many polluting gases.
El cuerpo intenta expulsar el virus.
The body tries to expel the virus.
Physical Action
Unlike the other meanings, when 'expulsar' is used for objects or smoke, you don't need the 'a' before the object.
despedir
des-peh-DEERdes.peˈðiɾ
Examples
La chimenea despide mucho humo al principio.
The chimney gives off a lot of smoke at the beginning.
Esa flor despide un aroma muy dulce.
That flower gives off a very sweet aroma.
Transitive Use
In this meaning, 'despedir' is used transitively, meaning it needs an object (what is being given off), like 'humo' (smoke) or 'olor' (smell).
Choosing Between 'Emitir' and 'Desprender'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.