How to Say "to highlight" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to highlight” is “subrayar” — use this when you want to draw attention to a specific fact, statement, or idea, often in a spoken or written context to emphasize its importance..
subrayar
/soo-brah-yahr//subraˈʝar/
Examples
El director subrayó la necesidad de trabajar en equipo.
The director emphasized the need for teamwork.
Quiero subrayar que este es solo el primer paso.
I want to highlight that this is only the first step.
El informe subraya los riesgos del cambio climático.
The report stresses the risks of climate change.
Figurative Meaning
Just like in English, 'underlining' a point means you are making it stand out metaphorically, even if you aren't using a pen.
destacar
/des-tah-KAHR//destaˈkaɾ/
Examples
El profesor destacó los puntos más importantes de la lección.
The teacher highlighted the most important points of the lesson.
Ella destaca por su inteligencia y amabilidad.
She stands out for her intelligence and kindness.
Cabe destacar que el proyecto terminó a tiempo.
It is worth noting that the project finished on time.
The 'QU' Spelling Change
To keep the hard 'K' sound, the 'c' changes to 'qu' whenever it is followed by an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (destaqué) and all forms of the present subjunctive (destaque).
Standing out vs. Highlighting
If you are using the word to say someone is better than others, use the preposition 'por' to explain why: 'Destaca por su voz' (She stands out for her voice).
Misspelling in the Past
Mistake: “Yo destacé.”
Correction: Yo destaqué. Remember that in Spanish, 'ce' sounds like 'se', so we need 'que' to keep the hard 'K' sound from the original word.
señalar
Examples
El informe señala que las ventas han subido.
The report indicates that sales have gone up.
enfatizar
/en-fah-tee-SAHR//eɱfatiˈsaɾ/
Examples
Quiero enfatizar que este paso es muy importante.
I want to emphasize that this step is very important.
El informe enfatiza los beneficios de la nueva dieta.
The report highlights the benefits of the new diet.
El director enfatizó la necesidad de trabajar en equipo.
The director stressed the need for teamwork.
The 'Z' to 'C' Spelling Rule
When the verb ends in '-zar', the 'z' changes to a 'c' whenever it's followed by an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense and in all forms of the subjunctive.
No Preposition Needed
In English, we sometimes say 'emphasize on,' but in Spanish, you go straight to the object. Use 'enfatizar algo' directly.
Don't add 'en'
Mistake: “Quiero enfatizar en el problema.”
Correction: Quiero enfatizar el problema. Spanish doesn't use the word 'on' (en) after this verb.
Spelling the Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo enfatizé la idea.”
Correction: Yo enfaticé la idea. Remember that 'z' always turns into 'c' before the letter 'e'.
resaltar
/rre-sal-TAR//resalˈtaɾ/
Examples
El profesor resaltó los errores más comunes.
The teacher highlighted the most common mistakes.
Quiero resaltar que esta es una oportunidad única.
I want to emphasize that this is a unique opportunity.
Puedes usar negrita para resaltar las palabras clave.
You can use bold to highlight the keywords.
Pointing to Ideas
When using this word to point out a fact, you usually follow it with 'que' and then the full thought you want to emphasize.
Highlighting text vs items
Mistake: “Subrayar la importancia.”
Correction: Resaltar la importancia. While both are used, 'resaltar' is slightly more common for abstract ideas.
acentuar
/ah-sen-twahr//asenˈtwaɾ/
Examples
Las luces de la ciudad sirven para acentuar la belleza de la plaza.
The city lights serve to accentuate the beauty of the square.
Sus palabras solo lograron acentuar la tensión en la sala.
His words only managed to heighten the tension in the room.
Este color acentúa tus ojos.
This color makes your eyes pop (accentuates your eyes).
Abstract Use
You can use this word for feelings or situations, not just sounds or letters. It means making a situation feel 'stronger' or 'louder'.
incidir
/een-see-DEER//insiˈðiɾ/
Examples
Quisiera incidir en un punto importante antes de terminar.
I would like to emphasize an important point before finishing.
El autor incide en la necesidad de proteger el medio ambiente.
The author highlights the need to protect the environment.
Focusing on a topic
Just like the 'impact' meaning, when you want to say you are emphasizing something, you use 'incidir en'. Example: 'Quiero incidir en esto' (I want to stress this).
Visual vs. Emphasizing
Related Translations
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