Inklingo

How to Say "to record" in Spanish

English → Spanish

registrar

rre-hees-TRARrexisˈtɾaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'registrar' when you need to officially enter information, data, or a person's name into a system, list, or document.
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

feel-MAHRfilˈmaɾ

verbA2general
Choose 'filmar' specifically when you are recording visual images, such as shooting a movie, documentary, or video.
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'.

asentar

ah-sen-TARasenˈtaɾ

verbC1formal/technical
Use 'asentar' for the formal act of entering or setting down information, especially financial data, in an official book or registry.
A hand using a quill to write carefully into a large open ledger with blank lines.

Examples

El contable debe asentar todas las ventas en el libro.

The accountant must record all sales in the ledger.

El juez asentó la declaración del testigo.

The judge noted down the witness's statement.

Formal Regularity

In some formal contexts regarding recording data, some speakers treat this verb as regular (asento instead of asiento), though the irregular form is generally safer.

General vs. Specific Recording

Learners often confuse 'registrar' and 'asentar' because both involve entering information. Remember that 'registrar' is broader for lists and systems, while 'asentar' is more specific to formal documentation like ledgers.

Related Translations

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