How to Say "to express" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to express” is “expresar” — use this general term for conveying feelings, thoughts, or ideas directly.
expresar
eks-preh-SAHReks.pɾeˈsaɾ
Examples
Quiero expresar mi gratitud por tu ayuda.
I want to express my gratitude for your help.
Ella expresó una opinión muy fuerte sobre el tema.
She stated a very strong opinion on the topic.
Es difícil expresar exactamente lo que siento.
It is difficult to express exactly what I feel.
Regular -AR Verb
This verb follows the simplest pattern for Spanish verbs ending in -ar. Just remove the -ar and add the standard endings (like -o, -as, -a, etc.).
Transitive Use
When you use 'expresar,' you almost always need to say what you are expressing (the direct object): expresar [algo].
traducir
tra-doo-SEERtɾaðuˈθiɾ
Examples
¿Puedes traducir este libro al español?
Can you translate this book into Spanish?
Ella tradujo la carta del francés al inglés.
She translated the letter from French to English.
Es difícil traducir los sentimientos en palabras.
It is difficult to put (translate) feelings into words.
The 'ZC' Change
When you want to say 'I translate,' the spelling changes to 'traduzco' (not 'traduco'). This happens to keep the sound soft.
The 'J' in the Past
When talking about the past (I translated), the 'c' changes to a 'j'. For example: 'Yo traduje' and 'Ellos tradujeron'.
Don't use 'en' for the destination language
Mistake: “Traducir en inglés.”
Correction: Traducir al inglés. Use 'al' (a + el) or 'a' before the language name.
mostrar
mo-STRARmosˈtɾaɾ
Examples
Ella siempre se muestra muy amable con los clientes.
She always appears/shows herself to be very kind to the clients.
Después de la pelea, él se mostró arrepentido.
After the fight, he appeared remorseful.
Es difícil mostrar alegría cuando estás triste.
It is difficult to express joy when you are sad.
Using the Reflexive Form (Mostrarse)
When you use 'mostrarse' (with 'me, te, se, nos, os'), you are describing how a person or thing presents itself to the world, often followed by an adjective: Se muestra feliz (He appears happy).
manifestar
mah-nee-fehs-TARmaniφesˈtaɾ
Examples
El director manifestó su alegría por los resultados.
The director expressed his joy regarding the results.
Debes manifestar tus dudas antes de firmar el contrato.
You should state your doubts before signing the contract.
Manifestaron su desacuerdo con la nueva ley.
They showed their disagreement with the new law.
The 'E' to 'IE' Change
This verb is a 'vowel-swapping' verb. When the stress falls on the 'e' in the middle, it changes to 'ie' (like 'manifiesto'). This happens in all present forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
Formal Tone
Use this word when you want to sound professional. While 'decir' means 'to say,' 'manifestar' sounds like you are making an official statement.
The Wrong Vowel
Mistake: “Yo manifesto mi opinión.”
Correction: Yo manifiesto mi opinión. Remember to change the 'e' to 'ie' when you are the one doing the action in the present.
emitir
eh-mee-TEERe.mi.'tiɾ
Examples
El gobierno emitió un comunicado oficial.
The government issued an official statement.
Es hora de emitir su voto.
It is time to cast your vote.
El banco va a emitir nuevas tarjetas de crédito.
The bank is going to issue new credit cards.
Formal Issuing
In official settings, use 'emitir' for releasing documents or money. It implies the source has the authority to make it valid.
Don't use for 'to give' (dar)
Mistake: “Me emitió un regalo.”
Correction: Me dio un regalo. 'Emitir' is for formal things like reports or votes, not personal gifts.
plasmar
plah-SMAHRplazˈmaɾ
Examples
El artista logró plasmar sus sentimientos en el lienzo.
The artist managed to give shape to his feelings on the canvas.
Es difícil plasmar una idea tan compleja en un solo párrafo.
It is difficult to express such a complex idea in a single paragraph.
Queremos plasmar nuestra visión en este nuevo proyecto.
We want to embody our vision in this new project.
Using 'en' with Plasmar
When you want to describe where an idea is being put (like a canvas or a book), you almost always use the word 'en' (in/on).
A Regular Verb
Good news! This verb follows the normal pattern for -ar verbs in all tenses, so you don't need to learn any weird spelling changes.
Don't use it for literal clay
Mistake: “Voy a plasmar una estatua de barro.”
Correction: Voy a moldear una estatua de barro. Use 'plasmar' for the creative expression or the idea, but use 'moldear' for the physical act of shaping a material like clay.
General vs. Specific Expression
Related Translations
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