Inklingo

How to Say "to model" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desfilar

/des-fee-LAHR//desfiˈlaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'desfilar' when referring to the act of walking on a runway to showcase clothing, typically in a fashion show context.
A fashion model walking down a long platform wearing a stylish dress.

Examples

La modelo desfilará para diseñadores internacionales.

The model will walk the runway for international designers.

Ella desfiló para las mejores marcas en París.

She walked the runway for the best brands in Paris.

Es el sueño de muchos jóvenes desfilar en una pasarela.

It is many young people's dream to walk on a catwalk.

Los modelos desfilaban con la nueva colección de invierno.

The models were modeling the new winter collection.

Specific context

While 'modelar' is also used for modeling, 'desfilar' is specifically for the action of walking in a fashion show.

posar

/po-sar//poˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Choose 'posar' when you mean to hold a specific pose for a photograph, painting, or as part of a performance.
A person standing in a formal pose for a painter.

Examples

El fotógrafo le pidió que posara con una sonrisa.

The photographer asked her to pose with a smile.

No me gusta posar para las fotos de grupo.

I don't like to pose for group photos.

La modelo posó con un vestido de seda rojo.

The model posed with a red silk dress.

Él posó durante tres horas para el retrato.

He posed for three hours for the portrait.

It's a Regular -AR Verb

Good news! This verb follows the standard patterns for -ar verbs, so you don't need to learn any weird stem changes.

Don't confuse with 'poseer'

Mistake:Él posa un coche.

Correction: Él posee un coche. (Posar is for posing/placing; poseer is for owning/possessing).

simular

/see-moo-LAHR//simuˈlaɾ/

verbB2technical
Use 'simular' when you are creating a model or representation of a real-world process or system, often using technology.
A pilot sitting in a cockpit training module with screens showing a blue sky.

Examples

Los ingenieros simulan el flujo de tráfico en el software.

The engineers simulate traffic flow in the software.

Los científicos usan computadoras para simular el cambio climático.

Scientists use computers to simulate climate change.

El entrenamiento sirve para simular una situación de emergencia real.

The training serves to simulate a real emergency situation.

Este software puede simular el vuelo de un avión.

This software can simulate an airplane's flight.

Scientific Context

In technical Spanish, this word describes an objective process of imitation, usually by a machine or a program.

Confusing Fashion vs. Posing

Learners often confuse 'desfilar' and 'posar' because both relate to visual presentation. Remember, 'desfilar' specifically means walking a runway, while 'posar' is about holding a static position for a camera or artist.

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