Inklingo

How to Say "to represent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

representar

/reh-preh-sehn-TAR//repɾesenˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'representar' when you mean to act or speak officially for a person, group, organization, or country.
A person standing at a podium with a flag behind them, addressing a group of people.

Examples

El abogado representa a sus clientes en la corte.

The lawyer represents his clients in court.

Ella representa a su país en las Olimpiadas.

She represents her country in the Olympics.

Esta paloma representa la paz.

This dove represents peace.

Using 'A' with people

When representing a person or a group of people, always put the word 'a' before them (e.g., Represento 'a' mi jefe).

Missing the 'a'

Mistake: “Represento mi país.”

Correction: Represento a mi país. (You need the 'personal a' because you are representing a group of people.)

significar

sig-ni-fi-CAR/siɣ.ni.fiˈkaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'significar' when 'to represent' means to have a particular value, importance, or consequence.
A single, large, glowing golden star resting centrally on a small pedestal, surrounded by many smaller, dull gray stones scattered on the ground, symbolizing importance and relevance.

Examples

La victoria significa mucho para el equipo.

The victory means a lot for the team.

Su renuncia significa una gran pérdida para la empresa.

His resignation means a great loss for the company.

Este pequeño cambio en la ley no significa nada para el ciudadano común.

This small change in the law doesn't mean anything/doesn't matter to the average citizen.

Cada voto significa que la gente cree en el proceso.

Every vote signifies that people believe in the process.

Expressing Consequence

In this usage, 'significar' acts like 'to cause' or 'to result in.' The subject is the cause (the event) and the direct object is the consequence (the result).

expresar

eks-preh-SAHR/eks.pɾeˈsaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'expresar' when 'to represent' means to convey or show a concept, idea, or feeling.
A colorful illustration of a perfectly balanced golden scale resting on a simple pedestal, symbolizing the representation of justice.

Examples

Esta obra de arte expresa la tristeza del artista.

This work of art expresses the artist's sadness.

El símbolo 'E' expresa la energía en física.

The symbol 'E' represents energy in physics.

Esta danza expresa la historia de la comunidad.

This dance shows the history of the community.

Abstract Use

In this formal sense, the subject is often an inanimate object (a painting, a formula, a color) that performs the action of representing something else.

Representar vs. Significarse

Learners often confuse 'representar' (to act on behalf of) with 'significar' (to mean/connote). Remember that 'representar' involves a person or entity acting for another, while 'significar' deals with the meaning or consequence of something.

Related Translations

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