How to Say "to praise" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to praise” is “alabar” — use 'alabar' when you want to express admiration or commendation for someone's actions, qualities, or achievements, often with a sense of deep respect or religious devotion..
alabar
/ah-lah-BAR//alaˈβaɾ/
Examples
El poeta alabó la belleza de la naturaleza en su obra.
The poet praised the beauty of nature in his work.
El profesor alabó el esfuerzo de sus estudiantes.
The teacher praised his students' effort.
Es importante alabar los logros de los demás.
It is important to praise the achievements of others.
Los críticos alabaron la nueva película por su originalidad.
Critics praised the new movie for its originality.
Using the 'Personal A'
When you praise a specific person or group of people, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Alabo a mi madre' (I praise my mother).
A Regular Pattern
This verb follows the standard rules for all '-ar' verbs, making it very easy to conjugate once you know the basics.
Don't confuse with 'gustar'
Mistake: “Me alaba la comida.”
Correction: Me gusta la comida. 'Alabar' means to actively express praise, not just to like something.
elogiar
/eh-loh-hee-AHR//eloˈxjaɾ/
Examples
El crítico elogió la actuación del actor principal.
The critic praised the lead actor's performance.
El profesor elogió mi dibujo frente a toda la clase.
The teacher praised my drawing in front of the whole class.
Es bueno elogiar el esfuerzo de los demás, no solo el resultado.
It is good to praise the effort of others, not just the result.
La prensa elogió la valentía de los bomberos tras el incendio.
The press praised the bravery of the firefighters after the fire.
Using the 'Personal A'
When you are praising a specific person, you must put the word 'a' before their name. For example: 'Elogió a María' (He praised Maria).
A Regular Verb
This verb follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, so once you learn the pattern, you can conjugate it easily!
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: “Elogio mi madre por su cocina.”
Correction: Elogio a mi madre por su cocina. (Always use 'a' when the person receiving the action is a specific human.)
aplaudir
ah-plow-DEER/aplawˈðiɾ/
Examples
Los ciudadanos aplaudieron la iniciativa del gobierno para reducir el desempleo.
The citizens praised the government's initiative to reduce unemployment.
La ONU aplaudió el nuevo tratado de paz.
The UN praised the new peace treaty.
Muchos ciudadanos aplauden la bajada de impuestos.
Many citizens welcome the tax cut.
Abstract Clapping
This usage is metaphorical; you aren't literally hitting your hands, you are expressing verbal or written support.
Confusion with literal meaning
Don't confuse general praise with approval of ideas
Related Translations
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