mostrar
Lemma Details
Translation: to show; to display; to demonstrate; to exhibit; to reveal
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'monstrare' meaning 'to show' or 'to point out', which is derived from 'monstrum' (a divine omen or warning). The English words 'demonstrate' and 'monster' share this Latin root. The evolution from Latin 'monstrare' to Spanish 'mostrar' involved the loss of the 'n' sound, a common phonological change in the development of Romance languages.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El profesor mostró el mapa a los estudiantes.
The teacher showed the map to the students.
Ella me mostró su nueva casa.
She showed me her new house.
El estudio muestra resultados interesantes.
The study shows interesting results.
Él siempre se muestra amable con todos.
He always shows himself to be kind to everyone.
No quiero mostrar mis sentimientos.
I don't want to show my feelings.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'monster' on display - 'mostrar' means 'to show'
- The 'mo' in 'mostrar' is like the 'mo' in 'motion picture' - something shown visually
- Relate to 'demonstrate' which shares the Latin root and similar meaning
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'mostrar' is often used in contexts of hospitality (showing guests around), in business presentations, and in educational settings. The reflexive form 'mostrarse' is commonly used to describe how someone presents themselves emotionally or socially.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'mostrar' means simply 'to show' or 'to display', 'demostrar' has a stronger meaning of 'to prove' or 'to demonstrate conclusively'.
Confused word:
El científico demostró que su teoría era correcta.
The scientist demonstrated that his theory was correct.
Notes: 'Mostrar' is more casual and general, while 'demostrar' implies providing evidence or proof.
Mnemonic: 'Demostrar' has 'de' (meaning 'of/about') added, suggesting a more complete or thorough showing that proves something.
Explanation: 'Mostrar' focuses on displaying or showing something visually, while 'enseñar' can mean both 'to show' and 'to teach'.
Confused word:
Mi padre me enseñó a nadar cuando era pequeño.
My father taught me to swim when I was little.
Notes: When simply displaying something, both can be used, but for teaching concepts or skills, 'enseñar' is the appropriate choice.
Mnemonic: Think of 'enseñar' as showing knowledge (teaching), while 'mostrar' is just showing objects.