Inklingo

How to Say "to inaugurate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inaugurar

/ee-now-goo-RAR//inauɡuˈɾaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'inaugurar' for the formal opening of a new building, facility, event, or significant project, often involving a ceremony.
A person cutting a wide red ribbon with large golden scissors in front of a new building entrance.

Examples

El presidente inauguró la nueva biblioteca nacional.

The president inaugurated the new national library.

Mañana van a inaugurar el nuevo centro comercial.

Tomorrow they are going to open the new shopping center.

El presidente inauguró la exposición de arte ayer.

The president inaugurated the art exhibition yesterday.

Espero que inauguren la biblioteca pronto.

I hope they open the library soon.

Opening for the first time

Unlike 'abrir' which can be used for windows or daily shop openings, 'inaugurar' is only used for the very first official opening ceremony.

It's an action on something

This verb always needs an object. You always 'inaugurar' something, like a park, a bridge, or a season.

Using it for everyday actions

Mistake: “Inauguro la puerta de mi casa.”

Correction: Abro la puerta de mi casa. (Unless you are having a formal ceremony for your new front door!)

abrir

ah-BREER/aˈβɾiɾ/

verbB1
Use 'abrir' for the general act of opening something new, such as a store or a business, without necessarily implying a formal ceremony.
A clear dirt path begins at the edge of a meadow and leads into a bright, untouched forest.

Examples

La tienda abrirá sus puertas la próxima semana.

The store will open its doors next week.

Van a abrir una nueva tienda de café en mi barrio.

They are going to open a new coffee shop in my neighborhood.

El presidente abrió el debate con una declaración.

The president opened (started) the debate with a declaration.

Choosing between 'inaugurar' and 'abrir'

Learners often use 'abrir' for all openings, but 'inaugurar' is specifically for formal inaugurations or ceremonies. While 'abrir' can mean 'to open' a shop, 'inaugurar' implies a more official launch event.

Related Translations

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