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How to Say "to respect" in Spanish

English → Spanish

respetar

reh-speh-TARrespeˈtaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'respetar' when you mean to show basic deference, politeness, or high regard towards someone, often due to their age, position, or simply as a general social rule.
A young child listening attentively and respectfully to an elderly woman speaking while sitting on a park bench.

Examples

Debes respetar a tus mayores, siempre tienen algo que enseñar.

You should respect your elders; they always have something to teach.

Ella respeta mucho la opinión de su padre.

She greatly respects her father's opinion.

Los niños aprenden a respetar el medio ambiente en la escuela.

Children learn to respect the environment in school.

Direct Object Use

In Spanish, the verb 'respetar' almost always takes a direct object (the person or thing being respected). If the object is a person, use the 'personal a': 'Respeto a mi jefe' (I respect my boss).

Confusing 'Respetar' and 'Mirar'

Mistake: “No debes mirar a los ancianos.”

Correction: No debes faltar el respeto a los ancianos. ('Mirar' means 'to look at'; 'respetar' is about showing regard.)

admirar

ad-mee-rahraðmiˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Choose 'admirar' when you want to express a strong feeling of esteem, approval, and admiration for someone's qualities or achievements.
A younger person shaking hands with an older person while nodding politely.

Examples

Admiro mucho a mi hermano por su valentía.

I admire my brother a lot for his bravery.

Es un científico muy admirado en todo el mundo.

He is a very admired scientist all over the world.

Muchos jóvenes admiran a ese deportista.

Many young people look up to that athlete.

Using 'por' for the reason

When you explain WHY you admire someone, use the word 'por' (e.g., 'Te admiro por tu paciencia').

Confusing respect and looking

Mistake: “Admiro el profesor.”

Correction: Admiro al profesor. (Again, remember the 'a' combined with 'el' makes 'al').

honrar

on-RAHRonˈraɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'honrar' when you are referring to showing deep respect, honor, or recognition for someone's memory, achievements, or status, often in a formal or solemn context.
A young person bowing respectfully to an elderly person in a peaceful garden.

Examples

Es importante honrar a nuestros antepasados.

It is important to honor our ancestors.

La empresa decidió honrar su promesa de aumentar los salarios.

The company decided to honor its promise to raise salaries.

Me honra mucho recibir esta invitación.

I am very honored to receive this invitation.

The 'Personal A'

Since you usually honor people, don't forget to put a small 'a' before the person you are honoring. For example: 'Honro a mi abuelo' (I honor my grandfather).

Using it as a Feeling

When you want to say something is an honor for you, use 'me honra' (it honors me) followed by the action.

Confusing the Verb and Noun

Mistake: “Es un honrar verte.”

Correction: Es un honor verte. Use 'honor' for the noun and 'honrar' only for the action of honoring.

Respetar vs. Admirar

Learners often confuse 'respetar' and 'admirar'. Remember that 'respetar' is about showing deference or basic regard, while 'admirar' implies a deeper, more personal feeling of esteem and approval for someone's qualities.

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