conmemorar
/kommemoˈɾaɾ/
To commemorate in Spanish is conmemorar.
The verb conmemorar means to honor the memory of someone or something. Depending on the context, the synonym honrar (to honor) can also be used.
Meaning: to honor the memory of someone or something (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb conmemorar is derived from the Latin commemorare, where the prefix con- acts as an intensive and memorare means to bring to mind.
Which one should you use?
While conmemorar is used for official or solemn anniversaries of events or people, celebrar is more common for general celebrations or festivities.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the verb is conmemoración.
How do you pronounce it?
/kommemoˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of conmemorar comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)mer-der, which is also a distant ancestor to the English word 'smart' in its original sense of 'knowing'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the act of conmemorar a tragedy is often paired with the phrase ni olvido ni perdón, meaning 'neither oblivion nor forgiveness'.
- The Spanish word memoria used in conmemorar also means 'RAM' or 'storage' in a computing context.
Examples in context
- Se conmemoró el aniversario de la independencia del paísThe country's independence anniversary was commemorated
- Queremos recordar a los héroes que lucharon por nuestra libertadWe want to commemorate the heroes who fought for our freedom
- Vamos a celebrar el recuerdo de nuestros antepasadosLet's commemorate the memory of our ancestors
- Nos juntamos para rememorar aquellos momentos inolvidablesWe gather to commemorate those unforgettable moments
- Cada año, conmemoramos el Día de los Trabajadores para reconocer y agradecer la labor de aquellos que contribuyen al progreso de nuestra sociedadEvery year, we commemorate Labor Day to acknowledge and thank the work of those who contribute to the progress of our society
- Conmemoramos el aniversario de la independencia.We commemorate the anniversary of independence.
- El ayuntamiento quiere conmemorar el aniversario de la ciudad.The city hall wants to commemorate the city's anniversary.
- Ellos decidieron conmemorar a los héroes locales.They decided to commemorate the local heroes.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing plans for a local monument ceremony.
- Mateo¿Cómo vamos a conmemorar el evento?How are we going to commemorate the event?
- MaríaHaremos un discurso para honrar su memoria.We will give a speech to honor his memory.
- MateoEs un gesto muy noble de tu parte, María.It is a very noble gesture on your part, María.
- MaríaSí, es importante recordar su legado.Yes, it is important to remember his legacy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “commemorate” translations and entries conmemorar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
