Inklingo

How to Say "to label" in Spanish

English → Spanish

catalogar

/kah-tah-loh-GAR//kata'loɣar/

verbB2general
Use 'catalogar' when you are assigning a reputation or category to a person, often implying a judgment or classification.
A person placing a small colorful sticker onto a large glass jar to sort it into a group.

Examples

Mucha gente lo cataloga de egoísta.

Many people label him as selfish.

No deberías catalogar a alguien sin conocerlo.

You shouldn't label someone without knowing them.

La crítica catalogó la película como una obra maestra.

The critics branded the movie as a masterpiece.

Using 'De' to Describe Labels

When labeling a person as something (like 'a hero' or 'lazy'), use the word 'de' after the verb. Example: 'Lo catalogan de valiente' (They label him as brave).

Confusing 'De' and 'Como'

Mistake: “Me catalogan ser perezoso.”

Correction: Say 'Me catalogan DE perezoso' or 'Me catalogan COMO perezoso'. You need a connector to describe the label.

numerar

/noo-meh-RAHR//numeˈɾaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'numerar' specifically when marking physical items with numbers for identification or organization.
A row of wooden toy blocks with colorful circles painted on them in a sequence.

Examples

Por favor, numera las páginas del informe antes de imprimirlo.

Please number the pages of the report before printing it.

El ayuntamiento decidió numerar las casas de esta calle.

The city council decided to number the houses on this street.

Todos los asientos del cine están numerados.

All the seats in the cinema are numbered.

It's a Regular Jo

This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. No surprise spelling changes here!

Passive Action

When you see 'están numerados,' it describes the state of things already having numbers assigned to them.

Numerar vs. Contar

Mistake: “Voy a numerar cuántas manzanas hay.”

Correction: Voy a contar cuántas manzanas hay.

tachar

/ta-char//taˈtʃaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'tachar' when giving someone a negative description or accusation, often implying it's unfair or without proof.
A group of people pointing at a sad person standing alone.

Examples

Lo tacharon de mentiroso sin tener pruebas.

They labeled him a liar without having proof.

No puedes tachar a todo el grupo de irresponsable.

You can't brand the whole group as irresponsible.

Muchos lo tachan de loco por sus ideas tan radicales.

Many call him crazy because of his radical ideas.

The 'de' requirement

When using this word to label someone, you must follow the pattern: [Person] + tachar + de + [Adjective]. Example: 'Me tacharon de loco' (They labeled me as crazy).

Missing the 'de'

Mistake: “Saying 'Me tacharon loco'.”

Correction: Always include 'de' before the label: 'Me tacharon DE loco'.

Distinguishing 'catalogar' and 'tachar'

Learners often confuse 'catalogar' and 'tachar' because both can describe how people are perceived. Remember that 'catalogar' is more about general classification or reputation, while 'tachar' specifically implies a negative accusation or judgment.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.