mostrarse
Lemma Details
Translation: to show oneself; to appear; to seem; to reveal oneself; to display oneself; to present oneself
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Mostrarse is the reflexive form of 'mostrar', which comes from Latin 'monstrare' meaning 'to show' or 'to point out'. The Latin root 'monstrare' is related to 'monere' (to warn, advise), which gave English words like 'monitor', 'monument', and 'demonstrate'. The reflexive form adds the concept of showing or revealing oneself rather than showing something else.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Se mostró muy amable con los invitados.
He showed himself to be very kind to the guests.
El candidato se mostró confiado durante el debate.
The candidate appeared confident during the debate.
Los niños se mostraron entusiasmados con la idea.
The children seemed enthusiastic about the idea.
Ella siempre se muestra dispuesta a ayudar.
She always shows herself willing to help.
No te muestres débil ante tus enemigos.
Don't show yourself to be weak in front of your enemies.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'monster' (from the same Latin root) – a monster shows itself to scare people.
- The 'se' ending reminds you it's about showing yourself, not something else.
- Remember 'most' + 'rare' (sounds like the beginning of mostrarse) – when you show yourself, you show your most rare qualities.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, how one presents or shows oneself (mostrarse) in public situations is important. The concept relates to social presentation and the face one shows to the world, which can vary depending on the social context.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'mostrar' means 'to show' something else, 'mostrarse' is reflexive and means 'to show oneself' or 'to appear'.
This word:
Él se mostró interesado en el proyecto.
He showed himself to be interested in the project.
Notes: The reflexive form changes the direction of the action so that it reflects back on the subject.
Mnemonic: When you see 'se' attached to 'mostrar', think 'self' – it's about showing yourself.
Explanation: 'Mostrarse' is about appearing or showing oneself in a certain way, while 'demostrar' means 'to demonstrate' or 'to prove' something.
This word:
Se mostró muy seguro durante la entrevista.
He appeared very confident during the interview.
Confused word:
Demostró su capacidad para resolver problemas.
He demonstrated his ability to solve problems.
Notes: 'Demostrar' is about proving something objectively, while 'mostrarse' is about how one appears subjectively.
Mnemonic: Think of 'demostrar' as 'demonstrate' – proving something with evidence, while 'mostrarse' is just showing your appearance or attitude.