How to Say "to show" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to show” is “mostrar” — use this for physically displaying or presenting an object to someone's view.
mostrar
mo-STRARmosˈtɾaɾ
Examples
¿Puedes mostrarme tu pasaporte, por favor?
Can you show me your passport, please?
El museo muestra arte prehispánico.
The museum displays pre-Hispanic art.
Ella me mostró el camino a la salida.
She showed me the way to the exit.
The Special Vowel Change
In the present tense, the 'o' in the middle changes to 'ue' when the ending is stressed: yo muestro, tú muestras. BUT, for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros', it stays 'o': nosotros mostramos.
Forgetting the 'ue' change
Mistake: “Yo mostro mi casa.”
Correction: Yo muestro mi casa. Remember the 'o' becomes 'ue' in the singular forms and 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' form.
enseñar
Examples
El guía nos enseñó la catedral antigua.
The guide showed us the old cathedral.
indicar
in-dee-KARin.diˈkaɾ
Examples
El profesor indicó la respuesta correcta en la pizarra.
The teacher indicated the correct answer on the board.
¿Puedes indicarme dónde está el baño?
Can you show me where the bathroom is?
La señal indica que debemos girar a la derecha.
The sign indicates that we must turn right.
Regular -AR Verb Pattern
Indicar follows the regular pattern for -AR verbs. For present tense: remove -AR and add the appropriate ending for each person (o, as, a, amos, áis, an).
Confusion with Similar Verbs
Mistake: “Using 'indicar' when 'señar' (to sign) or 'informar' (to inform) would be more appropriate”
Correction: Use 'indicar' when you want to show or point out something physically or symbolically. Use 'señar' for giving signatures or signs, and 'informar' for providing information.
demostrar
deh-mohs-TRARdemoˈstɾaɾ
Examples
El abogado pudo demostrar la inocencia de su cliente.
The lawyer was able to prove his client's innocence.
Necesitas demostrar que tienes suficiente experiencia para el puesto.
You need to demonstrate that you have enough experience for the position.
La ciencia ha demostrado que el ejercicio es bueno para la salud.
Science has proven that exercise is good for your health.
Ella nunca demuestra sus emociones en público.
She never shows her emotions in public.
Stem-Changing Verb (O > UE)
In the present tense, the 'o' changes to 'ue' in all forms except for 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural/Spain). This is a very common pattern in Spanish verbs.
Using 'Demostrar' with Emotions
When talking about feelings, demostrar often takes the place of the simpler verb mostrar to emphasize that the feeling is clearly expressed or made visible to others.
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: “Yo demostro (No stem change)”
Correction: Yo demuestro (Remember the 'ue' change in the present tense.)
exponer
ex-po-NAIReks.poˈneɾ
Examples
Ella va a exponer sus cuadros en la galería mañana.
She is going to exhibit her paintings in the gallery tomorrow.
El museo expone tesoros del antiguo Egipto.
The museum displays treasures from ancient Egypt.
Muchos diseñadores exponen sus ideas en esta feria.
Many designers show their ideas at this fair.
The Poner Pattern
This word works exactly like the word 'poner' (to put). If you know how to change 'poner,' you can change 'exponer' the same way!
The 'Go' Sound
In the present tense, when talking about yourself (yo), the word gains a 'g' sound: 'yo expongo'.
Regular Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo exponí mis cuadros.”
Correction: Yo expuse mis cuadros. (This word has a special 'u' change in the past, just like 'poner' becomes 'puse'.)
decir
deh-SEERdeˈθiɾ
Examples
El cartel dice 'prohibido el paso'.
The sign says 'no entry'.
Su cara lo decía todo.
His face said it all.
El primer capítulo no dice nada sobre su pasado.
The first chapter doesn't say anything about his past.
comprobar
kom-proh-BARkom.pɾoˈβaɾ
Examples
El experimento comprobó la teoría del científico.
The experiment proved the scientist's theory.
La nueva evidencia comprueba su inocencia.
The new evidence proves his innocence.
No pudieron comprobar que el coche era robado.
They couldn't prove that the car was stolen.
Followed by 'que'
When 'comprobar' means 'to prove' or 'to confirm a fact,' it is usually followed by 'que' and the verb in the normal indicative (non-special) form: 'Comprobamos que está aquí.' (We confirmed that he is here.)
manifestar
mah-nee-fehs-TARmaniφesˈtaɾ
Examples
El director manifestó su alegría por los resultados.
The director expressed his joy regarding the results.
Debes manifestar tus dudas antes de firmar el contrato.
You should state your doubts before signing the contract.
Manifestaron su desacuerdo con la nueva ley.
They showed their disagreement with the new law.
The 'E' to 'IE' Change
This verb is a 'vowel-swapping' verb. When the stress falls on the 'e' in the middle, it changes to 'ie' (like 'manifiesto'). This happens in all present forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
Formal Tone
Use this word when you want to sound professional. While 'decir' means 'to say,' 'manifestar' sounds like you are making an official statement.
The Wrong Vowel
Mistake: “Yo manifesto mi opinión.”
Correction: Yo manifiesto mi opinión. Remember to change the 'e' to 'ie' when you are the one doing the action in the present.
arrojar
ah-roh-HAHRaroˈxar
Examples
La investigación arrojó nuevos datos sobre el virus.
The research yielded new data about the virus.
El balance anual arroja un saldo positivo.
The annual balance shows a positive result.
Sus palabras arrojaron luz sobre el misterio.
His words shed light on the mystery.
Abstract Results
Think of the data as being 'thrown out' by the study for you to see.
Mostrar vs. Enseñar
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.