exponer
/eɡspoˈneɾ/
The Spanish verb for 'exhibit' is exponer.
Exponer is used when you want to show a piece of art or a collection of objects in a public place for people to see. It can also be used to mean exposing something to danger or the elements. You may also use the synonym exhibir to mean 'to exhibit', which can also carry the sense of 'to show off' or 'to display'. Other related verbs include mostrar, which means 'to show' and presentar, which means 'to present'.
Which one should you use?
While exponer is a common way to describe exhibiting art, exhibir is a synonym that specifically can also imply showing something off or displaying it prominently.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word expo is commonly used instead of exposición when referring to large-scale exhibitions or trade shows.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form for an exhibition is exposición. To describe something that has been exhibited or is exposed, you can use the past participle expuesto.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡspoˈneɾ/
Did you know?
- In a Spanish classroom, the word exponer is commonly used to mean 'to give a presentation' or 'to deliver a report' to the class.
- In some contexts, using exhibir instead of exponer can sound provocative, as it suggests a lack of modesty or a desire to flaunt something.
- The word exponer shares the same Latin root as the English word 'position', which comes from the verb 'ponere' or 'poner', meaning 'to place'.
Examples in context
- La exhibición de arte se llevará a cabo en el museoThe art exhibit will take place at the museum
- La exposición de ciencia y tecnología atraerá a visitantes de todo el paísThe science and technology exhibition will attract visitors from all over the country
- Echa un vistazo a la muestra de fotografías en la galeríaTake a look at the photo exhibit in the gallery
- Vamos a visitar la exhibición de autos clásicos este fin de semanaLet's visit the classic car exhibit this weekend
- Van a exponer cuadros nuevos en el museo.They are going to exhibit new paintings in the museum.
- El artista quiere exponer su colección en la galería.The artist wants to exhibit his collection in the gallery.
- Decidieron exponer las esculturas de madera este mes.They decided to exhibit the wooden sculptures this month.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing an art show at a local gallery.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿vas a exponer tu obra en el centro?Daniel, are you going to exhibit your work downtown?
- DanielSí, voy a exponer tres cuadros nuevos.Yes, I am going to exhibit three new paintings.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Me encantaría ir a verlo.That's great! I would love to go see it.
- DanielGracias, Elena. Te enviaré la invitación.Thank you, Elena. I will send you the invitation.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry exponer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries exponer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
