How to Say "to perform" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to perform” is “actuar” — use 'actuar' when referring to performing as an actor, artist, or performer on stage or screen.
actuar
ak-TOO-arakˈtwaɾ
Examples
Mi hermana sueña con actuar en Broadway.
My sister dreams of acting on Broadway.
El director dijo que tienes que actuar con más emoción.
The director said you have to perform with more emotion.
desempeñar
Examples
Ella desempeña el cargo de directora con mucha eficiencia.
She holds the position of director very efficiently.
ejecutar
eh-heh-koo-TARexeˈku.taɾ
Examples
El equipo ejecutó el plan de marketing perfectamente.
The team carried out the marketing plan perfectly.
Es difícil ejecutar esta maniobra sin práctica.
It is difficult to perform this maneuver without practice.
Action vs. Result
Use this word when you want to focus on the professional process of getting a specific task done, rather than just the general idea of 'doing'.
Confusing with 'hacer'
Mistake: “Using 'hacer' for professional plans.”
Correction: Use 'ejecutar' to sound more professional and precise when talking about business strategies or plans.
efectuar
eh-fek-twahrefektuˈaɾ
Examples
El banco efectuará la transferencia mañana por la mañana.
The bank will carry out the transfer tomorrow morning.
Es necesario efectuar algunas reparaciones en el edificio.
It is necessary to perform some repairs on the building.
Debes efectuar el pago antes del viernes.
You must make the payment before Friday.
The Stressing 'U'
When you say 'I carry out' (efectúo), the 'u' gets a written accent. This helps you know that the 'u' is the strong part of the word, rather than the ending.
A Fancy 'Hacer'
Think of this word as the professional version of 'hacer' (to do/make). Use it when talking about business, money, or official steps.
Don't be too stiff!
Mistake: “Using 'efectuar' in casual conversation, like 'Efectué mi cena' (I performed my dinner).”
Correction: Use 'hacer' or 'comer' for daily life. Use 'efectuar' for things like banking or official tasks.
interpretar
een-tehr-preh-TARinteɾpɾeˈtaɾ
Examples
El actor interpreta el papel de un villano muy famoso.
The actor plays the role of a very famous villain.
La orquesta interpretará la Quinta Sinfonía.
The orchestra will perform the Fifth Symphony.
representar
reh-preh-sehn-TARrepɾesenˈtaɾ
Examples
El grupo de teatro va a representar Hamlet.
The theater group is going to perform Hamlet.
funcionar
foon-syoh-NARfunθjoˈnaɾ
Examples
El departamento de ventas funciona mejor ahora que tienen un nuevo líder.
The sales department functions better now that they have a new leader.
El nuevo sistema de transporte público funciona con gran eficiencia.
The new public transport system operates with great efficiency.
practicar
prak-ti-KARprak.tiˈkaɾ
Examples
El cirujano debe practicar la operación esta tarde.
The surgeon must perform the operation this afternoon.
La policía practicó un registro en la casa del sospechoso.
The police conducted a search of the suspect's house.
Formal Procedures
In formal Spanish, 'practicar' is often preferred over 'hacer' (to do) when referring to carrying out official or technical procedures.
Distinguishing 'actuar' from 'desempeñar' and 'ejecutar'
Related Translations
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