Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| crear | /kɾeˈaɾ/ |
| generar | /xeneˈɾaɾ/ |
Both crear and generar are used to express the act of putting something into existence. Crear is the standard term for the act of creation or invention, while generar is typically used for more technical, formal or abstract processes.
Which one should you use?
While crear is used for the general act of creation or invention, generar is often used in technical or formal contexts to mean 'to generate', such as when referring to generating profit, generating data or generating a reaction.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, speakers often prefer using fabricar when referring to the creation or manufacturing of tangible, physical objects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of crear is creación, and its past participle is creado, which can be used as an adjective or to form perfect tenses.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾeˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word crear shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'increase', stemming from the same Indo-European root regarding growth and expansion.
- In legal or administrative Spanish, the act of 'creating' a law or a decree is often expressed as dictar or promulgar rather than crear.
- While crear is used for general creation, Spanish speakers often use the specific verb inventar when the creation involves a new device or a clever lie.
Examples in context
- Crear Tatoeba fue una buena idea.It was a good idea to create Tatoeba.This sentence shows how to use crear in the context of an idea.Tatoeba #1883740 by marcelostockle, translation #961570 by Zifre
- Tengo que crear un nuevo sitio web.I have to create a new website.This sentence demonstrates using crear regarding a website.Tatoeba #1745363 by marcelostockle, translation #1745148 by Amastan
- Es hora de crear una academia de cabilio.It's time to create a Kabyle academy.This sentence illustrates the use of crear when discussing the establishment of an academy.Tatoeba #11843674 by Eremon, translation #11724554 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- Quiero hacer un cuadroI want to create a painting
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a new project at work.
- JavierQueremos crear un plan de marketing.We want to create a marketing plan.
- SofíaEs necesario crear una estrategia sólida.It is necessary to create a solid strategy.
- Javier¿Podemos crear un equipo de trabajo?Can we create a work team?
- SofíaSí, Javier, debemos crear algo nuevo.Yes, Javier, we must create something new.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “create” translations and entries crear, generar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crear, generar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
