Inklingo

How to Say "to recall" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recordar

reh-kor-DAHR/rekorˈðar/

verbA2formal or written communication
Use 'recordar' when you mean to bring something back to your mind or memory, like a name, a fact, or an event.
A person sitting and looking thoughtfully upwards, where a clear thought bubble containing a bright red apple floats above their head, symbolizing a memory being recalled.

Examples

¿Recuerdas cómo se llama ese restaurante?

Do you remember what that restaurant is called?

No recuerdo dónde dejé las llaves.

I don't remember where I left the keys.

Siempre recordamos nuestras vacaciones en la playa.

We always remember our vacation at the beach.

Stem Change Alert

In the present tense, the 'o' inside the verb changes to 'ue' in all forms except for the 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you all, Spain) forms.

Using 'Recordar'

Unlike the common reflexive 'acordarse de,' the verb 'recordar' is usually used directly with the thing being remembered, like saying 'I remember the house' (Recuerdo la casa).

Mixing up the O→UE change

Mistake: “Yo recordo.”

Correction: Yo recuerdo. Remember the vowel change happens to make the verb sound stronger in most single-person forms.

Using 'a' incorrectly

Mistake: “Recuerdo a la película. (I remember the movie.)”

Correction: Recuerdo la película. Only use 'a' before a specific person you remember: 'Recuerdo a mi abuela.' (I remember my grandmother.)

retirar

reh-tee-RAHR/re.tiˈɾaɾ/

verbA2formal or written communication
Use 'retirar' when the meaning is to remove something, especially a product from the market, or to take something away from a place.
A cartoon hand is lifting a red block off a blue shelf, illustrating the action of removing an object.

Examples

Por favor, retira los vasos sucios de la mesa.

Please, remove the dirty glasses from the table.

La tienda tuvo que retirar el producto defectuoso.

The store had to recall the defective product.

¿Puedes retirar mi paquete de la oficina de correos?

Can you pick up my package from the post office?

Direct Action

When 'retirar' is used this way, it means you are actively taking something and moving it away from someone or something else.

Confusing with 'Quitar'

Mistake: “Quitar is often used for removing clothes or small items ('quitar la chaqueta'), while retirar is better for formal removal or taking something away entirely ('retirar el coche mal estacionado').”

Correction: Use 'retirar' when the action involves a formal withdrawal or a significant movement away from a location.

Remembering vs. Removing

The most common mistake is using 'retirar' when you mean to remember something. 'Recordar' is for mental recall, while 'retirar' is for physical removal or taking something back.

Related Translations

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