What is the difference between "recordar", "retener" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to remember' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the specific nuance. While both 'recordar' and 'retener' relate to memory, they are used in different contexts.

How to Say "to remember" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to remember” is “recordar” — use 'recordar' when you are recalling a specific fact, event, or person from your memory, often in response to a prompt or when something triggers the memory.

recordar🔊A2

Use 'recordar' when you are recalling a specific fact, event, or person from your memory, often in response to a prompt or when something triggers the memory.

Learn more →

retener🔊B1

Use 'retener' when you are talking about the ability to keep information in your mind, especially when learning or processing new data.

Learn more →

English → Spanish

recordar

reh-kor-DAHRrekorˈðar

verbA2general

Use 'recordar' when you are recalling a specific fact, event, or person from your memory, often in response to a prompt or when something triggers the memory.

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.)

See full entry for “recordar” →

retener

rreh-teh-NEHRre.teˈner

verbB1general

Use 'retener' when you are talking about the ability to keep information in your mind, especially when learning or processing new data.

A person pointing to their head with a lightbulb glowing brightly above them.

Examples

Me cuesta retener los nombres de las personas.

I have a hard time remembering people's names.

Ella retiene mucha información después de leer un libro.

She retains a lot of information after reading a book.

Los niños retienen mejor el vocabulario con juegos.

Children remember vocabulary better through games.

Mind vs. Hands

While 'retener' usually refers to holding something physical, when used with words like 'información' or 'nombres,' it describes the mental act of keeping it in your head.

Using 'recordar' for everything

Mistake: “No puedo recordar los números.”

Correction: While 'recordar' works, 'retener' is better when you mean the ability to keep the numbers in your mind over time.

See full entry for “retener” →

Recordar vs. Retener

Learners often confuse 'recordar' and 'retener' by using 'recordar' when they mean the act of keeping information in their mind. 'Recordar' is for recalling something specific, while 'retener' is about the capacity to hold information.

Related Translations

to delay→to detain→to keep→to recall→to remind→to retain→to withhold→

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.