Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| sobresalir | /sobɾesaˈliɾ/ |
| llevarse la joya | /ʝebaɾse la xoʝa/ (from spelling rules) |
| descollar | /deskoˈʝaɾ/ |
The verb is used to describe being much better than others. When you want to specify the field in which someone excels, you typically follow the verb with the preposition en.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb sobresalir is composed of the prefix sobre- (over/above) and salir (to go out/to exit), literally meaning 'to go out above' or 'to stand out'.
Which one should you use?
While sobresalir is the standard way to say to excel or stand out, descollar is a more literary or formal synonym that is less common in everyday spoken Spanish. Additionally, llevarse la joya is an available form for the concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
sobresalir is an intransitive verb. For example, the third-person singular preterite form (meaning 'he/she excelled') is sobresalió.
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾesaˈliɾ/
Did you know?
- The formal synonym descollar is actually a hidden anatomical reference. It is formed from the word cuello, meaning 'neck', suggesting that to excel is to 'de-neck' or rise above the level of one's neck.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, praising someone for their ability to sobresalir in a group can sometimes be seen as a critique of their lack of humility.
- While sobresalir is used for talent, it is also the word used to describe a physical object that sticks out, such as a nail protruding from a wall.
Examples in context
- Eco fue criado por las ninfas, y las musas le enseñaron a tocar la flauta de pan, la flauta, la lira, y el arpa, en realidad, para sobresalir en todo tipo de música.Echo was brought up by the Nymphs, and the Muses taught her to play upon the pipe, the flute, the lyre, and the harp, in fact, to excel in every kind of music.This sentence shows how to use sobresalir when specifying a field of expertise like music.Tatoeba #8699713 by Eremon, translation #6213153 by Hybrid
- La hoja de cálculo de Microsoft ExcelThe Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
- Necesito aprender a usar Microsoft Excel para mi trabajo.I need to learn how to use Microsoft Excel for my job.
- ¿Me puedes pasar la hoja de cálculo de Excel?Can you pass me the Excel spreadsheet?
- ¿Alguien sabe utilizar el programa de Excel?Does anyone know how to use the Excel program?
- El Excel es una herramienta muy útil para organizar datos.Excel is a very useful tool for organizing data.
- Oye, ¿me puedes mostrar cómo funciona la planilla?Hey, can you show me how the spreadsheet works?
- Ella quiere sobresalir en la clase de piano.She wants to excel in piano class.
- Él busca sobresalir en el ámbito profesional.He seeks to excel in the professional field.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing career goals at a cafe.
- Daniel¿Qué planes tienes para tu carrera?What plans do you have for your career?
- MaríaQuiero sobresalir en mi nuevo puesto.I want to excel in my new position.
- DanielEstoy seguro de que lo lograrás.I am sure you will achieve it.
- MaríaGracias por tus palabras, Daniel.Thanks for your words, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excel” translations and entries sobresalir, descollar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries descollar, joya, la, sobresalir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
