Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, describir might be used even in informal contexts instead of contar.
How does it change in a sentence?
describir is a regular -ir verb in the present indicative, with forms such as describo, describes, describe, describimos, describís, describen. It also follows the regular pattern for -ir verbs in the preterite tense, using forms like describí, describiste, describió, describimos, describisteis, describieron. The gerund (present participle) is describiendo. When using the infinitive describir after other verbs like querer (to want) or poder (to be able to), it remains in its base form. Note that the past participle is irregular: descrito.
How do you pronounce it?
/deskɾiˈbiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the regular form describido for 'described'. The correct irregular past participle is descrito.
Did you know?
- The word descrito can also mean 'circled' or 'traced' when referring to a geometric shape, such as a circle descrito around a square.
- The irregular past participle descrito is the root of the word manuscrito, which means 'manuscript' and literally refers to something 'written by hand'.
- While describir is the standard term, Spanish speakers frequently use the word detallar when they want to describe something with extreme precision or a list of specifics.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedes describir el objeto?Can you describe the object?This sentence is useful for practicing the verb describir when asking someone to provide details about an object.Tatoeba #1719194 by marcelostockle, translation #44133 by CK
- No puedo describirlo realmente.I can't really describe it.This sentence shows how to use describir in a negative statement.Tatoeba #1712654 by marcelostockle, translation #1096484 by CK
- ¿Cómo te describirías a ti mismo?How would you describe yourself?This sentence demonstrates how to use describir when asking someone to describe themselves.Tatoeba #1712446 by marcelostockle, translation #1553487 by CK
- Por favor, describa el problema en detalle.Please describe the problem in detail.
- ¿Puedes contar cómo era tu viaje?Can you describe how your trip was?
- Dime cómo es tu casa nueva.Tell me what your new house is like.
- ¿Me puedes describir cómo era el paisaje?Can you describe to me what the landscape was like?
- Explícame lo sucedido con todos los detalles.Explain to me what happened with all the details.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a police station, Javier is telling María about a lost item.
- JavierMaría, necesito describir lo que perdí.María, I need to describe what I lost.
- MaríaEstá bien, Javier, descríbelo con detalle.That's fine, Javier, describe it in detail.
- JavierEra una mochila pequeña y azul.It was a small, blue backpack.
- MaríaGracias, ahora puedo ayudarte mejor.Thank you, now I can help you better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “describe” translations and entries describir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
