Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| apreciar | /apɾeˈθjaɾ/ /apɾeˈsjaɾ/ |
| preciar | /pɾeˈθjaɾ/ /pɾeˈsjaɾ/ |
The verb apreciar is used to mean 'to appreciate'. In addition to valuing something, it is often used to mean 'to notice' or 'to perceive', such as noticing a detail or a change in temperature. To express gratitude in a courteous manner, you can use the phrase Dar las gracias, which literally means 'give thanks'.
Which one should you use?
While apreciar can be used to express appreciating the value or quality of something, the verb agradecer is the more common and direct way to express gratitude for a specific action or favor.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾeˈθjaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use apreciar to say 'I appreciate it' as a direct thank you, but in many contexts, a native speaker would more naturally use Te lo agradezco.
When do people say it?
To emphasize deep appreciation, people in certain Latin American countries like Mexico and Argentina may say Gracias mil.
Did you know?
- The verb apreciar can be used in a technical sense to mean 'to gauge' or 'to estimate' a measurement. This usage has nothing to do with gratitude and everything to do with precision.
- The Spanish verb apreciar shares a common ancestor with the English 'price' through the Latin word pretium, which means 'value' or 'worth'.
- If you want to express that you 'appreciate' someone's help in a professional setting, you might use estimo from the verb estimar. This implies a level of respect and high regard that goes beyond simple thanks.
Examples in context
- Apreciaría oír de ti pronto.I would appreciate hearing from you soon.This sentence shows how to use apreciar to express wanting to hear from someone soon.Tatoeba #1397092 by marcelostockle, translation #52253 by CK
- Pensé que Tom apreciaría el regalo de María.I thought Tom would appreciate the gift from Mary.This sentence uses apreciar to describe how someone would value a gift.Tatoeba #1939481 by marcelostockle, translation #1938865 by CK
- Apreciaríamos si te contactaras con el señor Hirose.We would appreciate it if you would contact Mr. Hirose.This sentence demonstrates the use of apreciar when requesting someone to contact a specific person.Tatoeba #1526281 by marcelostockle, translation #1489157 by CN
- Le agradezco su amabilidadI appreciate your kindness
- Quiero darle las gracias por su ayudaI want to thank you for your help
- Estoy muy agradecido por su apoyoI am very grateful for your support
- ¡Te agradezco mucho tu ayuda!I really appreciate your help!
- Quería darte las gracias por estar siempre ahíI wanted to thank you for always being there
- ¡Gracias por tu ayuda! ¡Te lo agradezco un montón!Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it!
- ¡Gracias mil por tu apoyo incondicional!A thousand thanks for your unconditional support!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro thanks Lucía for helping him with a project.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias por tu ayuda, Lucía.Thank you very much for your help, Lucía.
- LucíaNo hay problema, me alegra ayudar.No problem, I'm happy to help.
- AlejandroDe verdad voy a apreciar tu apoyo.I am really going to appreciate your support.
- LucíaDe nada, Alejandro. Cuenta conmigo.You're welcome, Alejandro. Count on me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appreciate” translations and entries apreciar, preciar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apreciar, preciar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
