realizar
Lemma Details
Translation: to realize; to carry out; to accomplish; to fulfill; to achieve; to make real; to implement; to execute; to perform
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'realis' meaning 'real, actual' (from 'res' meaning 'thing, matter'). The suffix '-izar' was added to form a verb meaning 'to make real'. The English cognate 'realize' shares the same Latin root, though in English it has the additional meaning of 'to become aware of' which is less common in Spanish (where 'darse cuenta' is more typical for that meaning).
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Necesito realizar este proyecto antes del viernes.
I need to complete this project before Friday.
El equipo realizó un gran esfuerzo para ganar el partido.
The team made a great effort to win the match.
Finalmente pude realizar mi sueño de viajar a Japón.
I finally was able to fulfill my dream of traveling to Japan.
La empresa realizó importantes cambios en su estructura.
The company implemented important changes in its structure.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'real-izar' as 'to make real' - you're bringing something into reality.
- Connect it to the English 'realize' but remember it's more about making something happen than becoming aware of something.
- Visualize turning ideas into real, tangible results.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish business and professional contexts, 'realizar' is frequently used to discuss completing tasks and projects. In film and television production, a 'realizador' is a director or producer who 'realizes' the creative vision.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'realize' in English can mean 'to become aware of', in Spanish 'realizar' rarely has this meaning. 'Darse cuenta' is used for the cognitive sense of realization.
Notes: This distinction is important as English speakers often mistranslate 'I realized' as 'Yo realicé' instead of the correct 'Me di cuenta'.
Mnemonic: Realizar = make real (actions); Darse cuenta = light bulb moment (thoughts)
Explanation: In film contexts, 'realizar' means 'to direct' or 'to produce', not just to make or create in a general sense.
Confused word:
Hicimos una película casera durante las vacaciones.
We made a home movie during vacation.
Notes: In professional contexts, 'realizar' often implies a more complex process than simply 'hacer' (to make).
Mnemonic: Realizar for films = professional production; Hacer = simpler creation