How to Say "to mold" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to mold” is “formar” — use 'formar' when talking about shaping someone's character, personality, skills, or abilities over time.
formar
for-MARfoɾˈmaɾ
Examples
Su mentor lo formó como artista durante diez años.
His mentor trained him as an artist for ten years.
La escuela se dedica a formar líderes del futuro.
The school is dedicated to educating future leaders.
Los valores familiares nos forman desde pequeños.
Family values shape us from a young age.
Transitive Use
In this meaning, 'formar' requires a direct object: someone or something that is being trained or shaped (e.g., 'formar ingenieros' — training engineers).
Confusing 'Formar' and 'Aprender'
Mistake: “Using 'Formar' when you mean 'Aprender' (to learn).”
Correction: 'Yo aprendí a programar' (I learned to program). 'La escuela me formó' (The school trained me).
vaciar
Examples
El artista vació el bronce en el molde.
The artist cast the bronze into the mold.
Formar vs. Vaciar
Related Translations
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