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How to Say "to honor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

honrar

/on-RAHR//onˈraɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'honrar' when you want to express deep respect, esteem, or reverence for someone or something, often in a more profound or commemorative sense.
A young person bowing respectfully to an elderly person in a peaceful garden.

Examples

Es importante honrar a nuestros antepasados.

It is important to honor our ancestors.

La empresa decidió honrar su promesa de aumentar los salarios.

The company decided to honor its promise to raise salaries.

Me honra mucho recibir esta invitación.

I am very honored to receive this invitation.

The 'Personal A'

Since you usually honor people, don't forget to put a small 'a' before the person you are honoring. For example: 'Honro a mi abuelo' (I honor my grandfather).

Using it as a Feeling

When you want to say something is an honor for you, use 'me honra' (it honors me) followed by the action.

Confusing the Verb and Noun

Mistake: “Es un honrar verte.”

Correction: Es un honor verte. Use 'honor' for the noun and 'honrar' only for the action of honoring.

saludar

/sah-loo-dar//sa.luˈðar/

verbB1formal
Use 'saludar' when you mean to formally acknowledge someone, typically with a gesture like a handshake or a nod, especially in a military or formal setting.
A person dressed in a simple uniform standing rigidly and performing a formal military hand salute.

Examples

El soldado saludó a su superior antes de recibir la orden.

The soldier saluted his superior before receiving the order.

La banda de música saludó a la bandera nacional.

The marching band saluted the national flag.

Honrar vs. Saludar

Learners often confuse 'honrar' and 'saludar' because both involve respect. Remember that 'honrar' is about deep respect and esteem (like honoring traditions or ancestors), while 'saludar' is about a formal, often physical, acknowledgment or greeting (like a soldier saluting).

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