presentar
Lemma Details
Translation: to present; to introduce; to submit; to show; to display; to exhibit
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'praesentare' meaning 'to place before, to show, to exhibit'. It shares the same Latin root as the English word 'present' (both the verb and the noun/adjective forms). The prefix 'prae-' means 'before' and 'sentare' relates to 'being' or 'placing', so etymologically it means 'to place before' or 'to make present'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me gustaría presentarte a mi hermana.
I would like to introduce you to my sister.
El profesor presentó el nuevo tema a la clase.
The teacher presented the new topic to the class.
Tengo que presentar mi pasaporte en la aduana.
I have to show my passport at customs.
La empresa presentó su informe anual.
The company submitted its annual report.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'present' in English - when you present something, you're showing it or introducing it.
- Imagine giving a 'present' (gift) to someone - you have to 'presentar' (present) it to them first.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, formal introductions (presentaciones) are important in both social and business contexts. The verb 'presentar' is commonly used when introducing people to each other, which reflects the value placed on proper social connections and formalities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'presentar' means 'to present' or 'to introduce', 'representar' means 'to represent' or 'to portray'. The prefix 're-' adds the sense of standing in for something else.
Confused word:
Él representa a nuestra empresa en la conferencia.
He represents our company at the conference.
Notes: Both verbs are regular -ar verbs and follow the same conjugation patterns.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'representar' has the extra 're-' prefix, meaning to 're-present' something in place of the original.
Explanation: 'Presentar' means to present or introduce, while 'presenciar' means to witness or be present at an event.
Notes: 'Presenciar' is related to the noun 'presencia' (presence), while 'presentar' is related to 'presente' (present).
Mnemonic: Think of 'presenciar' as being about your 'presence' at an event as a witness.