Inklingo

How to Say "to instill" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inspirar

/een-spee-RAHR//inspiˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'inspirar' when you want to convey putting a positive feeling like trust, courage, or admiration into someone, often through example or encouragement.
A child looking up at an artist painting a vibrant, colorful landscape on a canvas.

Examples

Ella logra inspirar a todos sus alumnos.

She manages to inspire all her students.

Tu valentía me inspira a ser mejor persona.

Your courage inspires me to be a better person.

Ese edificio inspira mucha confianza.

That building instills a lot of confidence.

Using 'a' with People

When you inspire a person, you must use the 'personal a'. For example: 'Él inspira a su equipo' (He inspires his team).

Direct Object Pronouns

If you want to say 'He inspires me', the 'me' comes before the verb: 'Él me inspira'.

Inspire in someone

Mistake: “Me inspira confianza en él.”

Correction: Él me inspira confianza.

sembrar

/sem-BRAHR//semˈbɾaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'sembrar' when instilling a feeling, especially a negative one like doubt or fear, into someone, suggesting the planting of an idea that will grow.
A person blowing on a fluffy white dandelion, sending seeds floating through the air over a green field.

Examples

Sus comentarios siembran la duda entre los empleados.

His comments spread doubt among the employees.

El villano quería sembrar el pánico en la ciudad.

The villain wanted to spread panic in the city.

Es importante sembrar valores en los niños desde pequeños.

It is important to instill values in children from a young age.

Abstract Sowing

Just like a seed grows into a plant, Spanish uses 'sembrar' for ideas or feelings that you 'start' so that they grow in a person's mind or in a community.

Mixing with 'difundir'

Mistake: “Sembrar la noticia.”

Correction: For news, use 'difundir' or 'dar'. Use 'sembrar' for emotions or abstract concepts like 'chaos' or 'hope'.

Positive vs. Negative Feelings

Learners often confuse 'inspirar' and 'sembrar' by using 'inspirar' for negative emotions. Remember that 'inspirar' is typically used for positive feelings like trust or courage, while 'sembrar' is better for planting negative seeds like doubt or fear.

Related Translations

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