prestar
/pɾesˈtaɾ/
To lend in Spanish is said as prestar. Wiktionary also lists emprestar.
Meaning: to allow to be used temporarily (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prestar | /pɾesˈtaɾ/ | |
| emprestar | /empɾesˈtaɾ/ | Latin America |
The verb is used to describe allowing something to be used temporarily. In Spanish, prestar can be used for both 'to lend' (giving something temporarily) and 'to borrow' (receiving something temporarily), depending on the context and the direction of the action.
Which one should you use?
While prestar is the standard form used everywhere, emprestar is a regional variation. Additionally, while prestar is the most common term, other phrases like poner a disposición can be used in formal contexts to convey the idea of lending.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form emprestar is used in some parts of Latin America, though prestar is the standard form used everywhere.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾesˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using pedir prestado to mean 'to lend'. That phrase actually means 'to borrow'.
Did you know?
- Beyond lending objects, prestar is used in the common idiom prestar atención, which means 'to pay attention'.
- The word prestar comes from the Latin praestāre, which combines prae meaning 'before' and stō meaning 'to stand'.
Examples in context
- Te prestaré este libro.I'll lend you this book.This sentence shows how to use the form prestar to express lending a book.Tatoeba #3575512 by ficion, translation #6897855 by CK
- Le ofrecí prestarle dinero.I offered to lend money to her.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form prestar regarding lending money.Tatoeba #1323408 by marcelostockle, translation #261142 by CK
- ¿Puedes prestarme un dólar?Can you lend me a dollar?This sentence uses the form prestar to ask someone to lend a dollar.Tatoeba #5922474 by baudelaire, translation #5924905 by Wierdmin
- ¿Me das tu coche para el fin de semana? Te lo cuido, ¡lo prometo!Can you lend me your car for the weekend? I'll take good care of it, I promise!
- ¿Me puedes dejar tu computadora? La mía está en reparación.Can you lend me your computer? Mine is being repaired.
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a university library.
- MateoElena, ¿me puedes prestar tu cargador?Elena, can you lend me your charger?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, aquí lo tienes.Yes, Mateo, here it is.
- MateoMuchas gracias por prestarlo.Thank you very much for lending it.
- ElenaDe nada, no hay problema.You're welcome, no problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lend” translations and entries prestar, emprestar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries emprestar, prestar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
