How to Say "to plant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to plant” is “plantar” — use this word for the literal act of putting plants, seeds, or trees into the ground for growing.
Use this word for the literal act of putting plants, seeds, or trees into the ground for growing.
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Use this word specifically when planting seeds, focusing on the action of sowing.
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This is the third-person singular present indicative form of 'plantar', used when the subject is 'he/she/it' plants.
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Use this word for the figurative act of placing someone or something secretly within an organization or group.
Learn more →plan-TAHRplanˈtaɾ
Examples
Queremos plantar un árbol en el patio.
We want to plant a tree in the patio.
Mi abuelo plantó estos tomates el mes pasado.
My grandfather planted these tomatoes last month.
Si plantas las semillas ahora, florecerán en primavera.
If you plant the seeds now, they will bloom in spring.
Regular -AR Pattern
This verb follows the standard pattern for -ar verbs. Just drop the -ar and add your endings!
Confusing with 'Plan'
Mistake: “Yo planto ir al cine.”
Correction: Yo planeo ir al cine. 'Plantar' is for plants or social situations, not scheduling plans.
sem-BRAHRsemˈbɾaɾ
Examples
Es el momento perfecto para sembrar las semillas de tomate.
It is the perfect time to sow the tomato seeds.
Los agricultores siembran el trigo en otoño.
The farmers plant the wheat in autumn.
Si siembras ahora, cosecharás en unos meses.
If you sow now, you will harvest in a few months.
The 'Boot' Verb Pattern
This verb is a 'stem-changer.' The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in all present forms EXCEPT for 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros). Imagine a boot shape on the conjugation chart covering the forms that change.
Sowing vs. Planting
Use 'sembrar' specifically for seeds. Use 'plantar' for when you are putting a small plant, a sapling, or a tree into the ground.
Forgetting the 'ie'
Mistake: “Yo sembro las flores.”
Correction: Say 'Yo siembro las flores.' The 'e' changes to 'ie' when you stress that part of the word.
PLAN-tahˈplan.ta
Examples
El jardinero planta flores nuevas cada mes de mayo.
The gardener plants new flowers every May.
Él siempre se planta y no cambia de opinión.
He always stands firm and doesn't change his mind.
Imperative Form Match
Notice that the 'tú' command form (¡Planta!) is the exact same as the 'él/ella' present tense form (él planta).
een-feel-TRARiɱfilˈtɾaɾ
Examples
La policía logró infiltrar a un agente en la banda.
The police managed to plant an agent in the gang.
El espía se infiltró en la base enemiga sin ser visto.
The spy sneaked into the enemy base without being seen.
Es casi imposible infiltrar una organización tan secreta.
It is almost impossible to infiltrate such a secret organization.
Using 'se' for yourself
If you are the one doing the sneaking in, you must use 'se' (infiltrarse). If you are putting someone else into a group, use 'infiltrar'.
Which preposition to use?
Always use the word 'en' (in/into) to describe the group or place being entered.
Confusing the target
Mistake: “Infiltré en el grupo.”
Correction: Me infiltré en el grupo.
Planting vs. Sowing
Learners often confuse 'plantar' and 'sembrar'. Remember that 'plantar' is the general term for putting things in the ground, while 'sembrar' specifically refers to sowing seeds. While you can 'plantar' seeds, 'sembrar' is more precise for that action.
Related Translations
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