Inklingo

How to Say "to value" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apreciar

/ah-preh-SYAHR//apɾeˈsjaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'apreciar' when you mean to recognize the importance or worth of something or someone, often with a sense of gratitude or deep liking.
A person holding a small, glowing heart in their hands with a look of gratitude.

Examples

Realmente aprecio mucho tu ayuda con la mudanza.

I really appreciate your help with the move a lot.

Es un profesor muy apreciado por sus alumnos.

He is a teacher who is very well-liked by his students.

A standard -ar verb

This verb follows the regular pattern for -ar endings, making it easy to conjugate once you know the basics.

Apreciar vs. Agradecer

Mistake: “Using 'apreciar' to say 'thank you' for a specific action.”

Correction: Use 'agradecer' for 'I thank you' (Te agradezco la ayuda) and 'apreciar' for 'I value your help' (Aprecio tu ayuda).

respetar

reh-speh-TAR/respeˈtaɾ/

verbA1
Use 'respetar' when you want to express showing deference or acknowledging the rights, dignity, or worth of a person or group, often due to age, position, or inherent value.
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.)

estimar

verbB1
Use 'estimar' when you mean to hold someone or something in high regard, or to estimate or calculate a value or quantity.

Examples

Estimo que el viaje durará unas cinco horas.

I estimate that the trip will last about five hours.

Appreciate vs. Respect

Learners often confuse 'apreciar' and 'respetar'. Remember that 'apreciar' is about valuing something for its positive qualities or usefulness, while 'respetar' is about acknowledging someone's inherent worth, rights, or social standing.

Related Translations

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