expresar
/eɡspɾeˈsaɾ/
To express in Spanish is expresar. Wiktionary also lists expremir.
Meaning: to convey meaning (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| expresar | /eɡspɾeˈsaɾ/ |
| expremir | /eɡspɾemiɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
Expresar is a verb used to convey meaning. Related terms include expreso, which can be an adjective meaning moving or operating quickly or a noun referring to a quick mode of transportation such as exprés.
Which one should you use?
While expresar is the standard verb for conveying meaning, expremir is an archaic form. For more formal contexts, you might use manifestar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to express oneself', use the reflexive form expresarse.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡspɾeˈsaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may confuse the verb expresar with the related noun expreso (referring to express/espresso), but they are distinct parts of speech.
Did you know?
- The verb expresar is derived from the Latin expressus, which originally meant something that had been pressed out or squeezed.
- While expresar refers to conveying thoughts, the phonetically similar verb expremir means to squeeze or wring out, such as when preparing orange juice.
- If you are in a Spanish-speaking country and ask for an expreso, you might receive a cup of coffee instead of a fast bus or train.
Examples in context
- No sabía cómo expresarme.I didn't know how to express myself.This sentence shows how to use expresar in a reflexive context.Tatoeba #7465356 by UsuarioX, translation #257291 by CK
- Él no sabía cómo expresarse.He didn't know how to express himself.Tatoeba #539978 by Shishir, translation #296113 by CK
- Deberías expresar tu opinión.You should express your opinion.This sentence shows how to use expresar to express an opinion.Tatoeba #2228326 by marcelostockle, translation #681645 by Source_VOA
- Me gustaría expresar mi gratitud hacia su empresa.I would like to express my gratitude towards your company.
- Quiero manifestar mi apoyo a su iniciativa.I want to express my support for your initiative.
- Quería decirte lo mucho que disfruté la fiesta.I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the party.
- Solo quería comentarte lo divertido que fue el concierto.I just wanted to let you know how fun the concert was.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a difficult conversation at a cafe.
- Mateo¿Puedes expresar lo que sientes?Can you express what you are feeling?
- MaríaNo, me cuesta mucho expresar mis emociones.No, it is very hard for me to express my emotions.
- MateoEntiendo, María, pero es importante.I understand, María, but it is important.
- MaríaTienes razón, Mateo.You are right, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “express” translations and entries expresar, expremir, 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 expresar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
