definir
/defiˈniɾ/
To define in Spanish is to say definir.
The verb definir is used to state the meaning of something. When you are referring to a specific definition of a word, you can use the article la before definición, which is the noun form of the verb.
Meaning: state meaning of (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form of definir is defino (I define). The past participle is definido (defined). The adjective meaning 'capable of being defined' is definible.
How do you pronounce it?
/defiˈniɾ/
Did you know?
- In sports commentary, definir is frequently used to describe a player's ability to finish a scoring play, such as a striker scoring a goal.
- In a romantic context, definir la relación is the common phrase used when one partner wants to move from casual dating to an official commitment.
- In a legal context, instead of saying a crime is 'defined' by a law, Spanish lawyers often say the crime is 'tipificado' in the penal code.
Examples in context
- El amor es difícil de definir.Love is hard to define.Tatoeba #4810656 by Amerein, translation #4809779 by patgfisher
- ¿Puedes definir sin ambigüedades esa palabra?Can you define that word without ambiguities?Tatoeba #5003080 by Helio, translation #10056178 by espamatics
- ¿Cómo definirías "felicidad"?How would you define "happiness"?Tatoeba #2781036 by marcelostockle, translation #70271 by Eldad
- Por favor, define el concepto de liderazgo.Please define the concept of leadership.
- Podrías darme una definición de la palabra "sostenibilidad"?Could you give me a definition of the word "sustainability"?
- ¿Me puedes explicar qué significa este término?Can you explain to me what this term means?
- ¿Puedes decirme qué es la amistad?Can you tell me what friendship is?
- La definición del término "éxito" varía según diferentes culturas.The definition of the term "success" varies across different cultures.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are studying for a Spanish exam.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿puedes definir este concepto para mí?Alejandro, can you define this concept for me?
- AlejandroClaro, deja que lo piense un momento.Sure, let me think for a moment.
- LucíaCreo que es mejor definirlo con un ejemplo.I think it is better to define it with an example.
- AlejandroTienes razón, así es mucho más claro.You are right, it is much clearer that way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “define” translations and entries definir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
