Inklingo

How to Say "to record" in Spanish

English → Spanish

filmar

feel-MAHR/filˈmaɾ/

verbA2visual images
Use 'filmar' when you are recording something visually, like making a movie, taking a video, or shooting a scene.
A colorful storybook illustration of a smiling cartoon character operating a professional video camera on a tripod.

Examples

Están filmando un documental sobre la vida marina en el Caribe.

They are filming a documentary about marine life in the Caribbean.

Mi abuelo filmó toda mi niñez con una cámara antigua.

My grandfather filmed my whole childhood with an old camera.

Necesitamos filmar la escena de nuevo porque hubo mucho ruido.

We need to shoot the scene again because there was a lot of noise.

A Regular AR Verb

Like many common Spanish verbs (hablar, estudiar), 'filmar' follows the most common pattern for conjugations. Just remember to drop the '-ar' and add the correct endings for each tense.

Confusing 'Filmar' and 'Grabar'

Mistake: “Using 'filmar' when talking about recording only audio (e.g., 'Filmar una canción').”

Correction: Use 'grabar' for general recording, especially audio. 'Filmar' is best for visual recording (video or cinema). The correct phrase is 'Grabar una canción'.

registrar

/rre-hees-TRAR//rexisˈtɾaɾ/

verbA2entering data or info into a list or system
Use 'registrar' when you are officially noting down or entering information, data, or a name into a list, log, or system.
A person writing in a large ledger book with a quill pen.

Examples

Tienes que registrar tu nombre en la lista.

You have to record your name on the list.

El termómetro registró una temperatura muy alta.

The thermometer recorded a very high temperature.

Me voy a registrar en el hotel ahora mismo.

I am going to check in to the hotel right now.

Using it with 'se'

When you want to say 'to check in' or 'to sign up,' use the reflexive form: 'registrarse.' For example, 'Me registré ayer' (I checked in yesterday).

Don't confuse with 'Search'

Mistake: “Using 'buscar' when you mean an official search.”

Correction: Use 'registrar' when a policeman or official is searching/inspecting bags or property.

Filmar vs. Registrar

Learners often confuse 'filmar' and 'registrar' because 'to record' in English covers both actions. Remember that 'filmar' is specifically for visual recording (like a camera), while 'registrar' is for documenting information.

Related Translations

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