distribuir
/distɾiˈbwiɾ/
To distribute in Spanish is distribuir.
The verb distribuir means to divide into portions and dispense. In some contexts, the verb dar (to give) can convey the meaning of distributing something.
Meaning: to divide into portions and dispense (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression repartir la leña is used to mean 'dishing out punishment'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb distribuir is a stem-changing verb where the 'u' changes to 'uy' in certain subjunctive forms, such as distribuya (I distribute / he, she distributes). In the preterite tense, the third-person singular form is distribuyó (he/she distributed).
How do you pronounce it?
/distɾiˈbwiɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the 'cast' of a movie or play is called el reparto, which literally means 'the distribution' of roles.
- In a religious context, the act of distributing the Eucharist is specifically referred to as comunión, whereas distribuir would sound too clinical or commercial.
- The verb distribuir shares its root with the English word 'tribute', as both come from the Latin concept of allocating or assigning a specific portion to someone.
Examples in context
- Nos gustaría distribuir su producto en Japón.We would like to distribute your product in Japan.This sentence shows how to use distribuir regarding a product.Tatoeba #414169 by Apaxito, translation #20160 by CK
- Cómo distribuir la riqueza es un gran problema.How to distribute abundance is a great problem.This sentence demonstrates using distribuir in the context of abundance.Tatoeba #331929 by danilo, translation #321093 by furagwa
- Es importante distribuir los alimentos de manera justa.It's important to distribute food fairly.
- El cartero reparte el correo cada mañana.The mailman distributes the mail every morning.
- Voy a repartir las invitaciones para la fiesta.I'm going to distribute the invitations for the party.
- Podemos dar los volantes en la entrada del recital.We can distribute the flyers at the entrance of the concert.
- Debemos distribuir los folletos en la entrada.We must distribute the flyers at the entrance.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are preparing for a party.
- ElenaJavier, ¿puedes ayudarme a distribuir las bebidas?Javier, can you help me distribute the drinks?
- JavierClaro, ¿dónde quieres que las ponga?Sure, where do you want me to put them?
- ElenaPor favor, distribuir una botella por mesa.Please, distribute one bottle per table.
- JavierEntendido, lo hago ahora mismo.Understood, I'll do it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “distribute” translations and entries distribuir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries distribuir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
