Inklingo

How to Say "to share" in Spanish

English → Spanish

compartir

/kom-par-TEER//kom.paɾˈtiɾ/

verbA1/B1general
Use 'compartir' when you are distributing something you possess (objects, food, space) with others, or when you are exchanging information, feelings, or online content.
Two friendly children sitting at a small table, happily dividing a brightly colored apple between them.

Examples

Yo siempre comparto mi almuerzo con mi hermana.

I always share my lunch with my sister.

¿Podemos compartir un taxi para ir al aeropuerto?

Can we share a taxi to go to the airport?

Ellos comparten un pequeño apartamento en el centro.

They share a small apartment downtown.

Ella compartió sus miedos más profundos con su mejor amiga.

She shared her deepest fears with her best friend.

Direct Use

Unlike some Spanish verbs, 'compartir' is usually followed directly by the thing being shared (e.g., 'compartir la pizza').

Digital Context

When talking about sharing links or photos online, 'compartir' is the standard verb, just like in English.

Abstract Use

This meaning emphasizes a mutual possession of an abstract quality, trait, or characteristic, often used when comparing two subjects (countries, groups, or people).

Using 'con' incorrectly

Mistake:Voy a compartir con el pastel. (I am going to share with the cake.)

Correction: Voy a compartir el pastel. (I am going to share the cake.) Use 'con' only for the person you share *with*.

compartir

/kom-par-TEER//kom.paɾˈtiɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'compartir' when indicating that two or more entities have a common trait, characteristic, or a shared boundary like a border.
Two friendly children sitting at a small table, happily dividing a brightly colored apple between them.

Examples

Los dos países comparten una larga frontera marítima.

The two countries share a long maritime border.

Yo siempre comparto mi almuerzo con mi hermana.

I always share my lunch with my sister.

¿Podemos compartir un taxi para ir al aeropuerto?

Can we share a taxi to go to the airport?

Ellos comparten un pequeño apartamento en el centro.

They share a small apartment downtown.

Direct Use

Unlike some Spanish verbs, 'compartir' is usually followed directly by the thing being shared (e.g., 'compartir la pizza').

Digital Context

When talking about sharing links or photos online, 'compartir' is the standard verb, just like in English.

Abstract Use

This meaning emphasizes a mutual possession of an abstract quality, trait, or characteristic, often used when comparing two subjects (countries, groups, or people).

Using 'con' incorrectly

Mistake:Voy a compartir con el pastel. (I am going to share with the cake.)

Correction: Voy a compartir el pastel. (I am going to share the cake.) Use 'con' only for the person you share *with*.

publicar

/poo-blee-KAHR//publiˈkaɾ/

verbA1digital/online
Use 'publicar' specifically when you are posting digital content, such as photos or updates, on social media or websites.
A hand holding a smartphone with a colorful photo on the screen, a finger is pressing a large green button with a checkmark.

Examples

Ella va a publicar una foto nueva en Instagram.

She is going to post a new photo on Instagram.

No debes publicar información personal en internet.

You shouldn't post personal information on the internet.

The 'C' to 'QU' Swap

In the 'I' form of the past (publiqué) and all command forms, the 'c' changes to 'qu' so it keeps the hard 'K' sound. Without it, it would sound like a 'S'!

Posting vs. Advertising

Mistake:Using 'publicar' to mean 'to advertise'.

Correction: Use 'anunciar' for advertising products. 'Publicar' is for making content or information available.

partir

/par-TEER//paɾˈtiɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'partir' when you are physically dividing or cutting something into pieces to distribute among people.
A hand holding a knife cutting a single red apple exactly in half on a wooden cutting board.

Examples

Necesito partir el pastel en ocho rebanadas iguales.

I need to cut the cake into eight equal slices.

Partieron la leña para la chimenea antes de la cena.

They split the firewood for the fireplace before dinner.

Ellos partieron la herencia entre los tres hermanos.

They divided the inheritance among the three siblings.

Transitive Use

In this sense, 'partir' is transitive, meaning the action directly affects something. You must always say what you are dividing or splitting.

Compartir vs. Publicar Online

Learners often use 'compartir' when they mean to 'post' online. While 'compartir' can refer to sharing online content, 'publicar' is more specific to the act of posting photos or updates on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

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