concebir
/konθeˈbiɾ/
The English phrase 'conceiving' can be translated into Spanish as concebir.
The term refers specifically to the biological process of becoming pregnant with a child.
Which one should you use?
While concebir refers specifically to the biological act of conception, the phrase quedar embarazada is the much more common way to express 'to get pregnant' in everyday conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the informal term preñarse is used to mean 'to get pregnant'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form concebir is used to express the concept of 'to conceive' or 'conceiving' in a general sense, while the gerund form concibiendo is used to express the continuous action of 'conceiving'.
How do you pronounce it?
/konθeˈbiɾ/
Did you know?
- The informal term preñarse is derived from preñar, a word primarily used in veterinary contexts to describe pregnant livestock.
- In some contexts, concebir can be used to express the ability to imagine something, often in the negative as no puedo concebir to mean 'I cannot imagine'.
- Because concebir sounds quite formal and technical, using it in a casual conversation about a friend getting pregnant might actually sound strangely clinical or distant.
Examples in context
- Esperamos concebir un hijo el próximo año.We hope to conceive a child next year.
- La pareja engendró un heredero para continuar la dinastía.The couple conceived an heir to continue the dynasty.
- Ana quedó embarazada después de dos meses de intentarlo.Ana got pregnant after two months of trying.
- María se preñó durante su luna de miel.María got pregnant during her honeymoon.
- Están intentando concebir un hijo.They are trying to conceive a child.
- El momento de concebir puede ser difícil.The moment of conceiving can be difficult.
- Ella quiere concebir pronto.She wants to conceive soon.
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their plans for the future.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿estás lista para concebir?Maria, are you ready to conceive?
- MaríaSí, creo que es el momento ideal.Yes, I think it is the ideal time.
- AlejandroMe hace mucha ilusión concebir contigo.I am very excited to conceive with you.
- MaríaYo también, Alejandro.Me too, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry concebir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
