Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| realizar | /realiˈθaɾ/ /realiˈsaɾ/ |
| cumplir | /kumˈpliɾ/ |
| efectuar | /efeɡˈtwaɾ/ |
| llevar a cabo | /ʝebaɾ a kabo/ (from spelling rules) |
The Spanish language uses several different verbs for perform depending on whether you are fulfilling an obligation, executing a technical process or carrying out a complex task. Use realizar for the execution of concrete actions or processes, such as a surgery. Use cumplir when the sense of perform implies fulfilling a duty, a promise or a mission. Use efectuar for formal or technical actions like making a payment. The multi-word phrase llevar a cabo is a common way to say carry out or perform when referring to projects or complex tasks.
Which one should you use?
Choose your word based on the context of the performance: use cumplir for obligations, duties or missions. Use realizar for executing concrete actions, processes or tasks. Use efectuar for formal or technical procedures like payments or transfers. And use llevar a cabo for carrying out projects or complex tasks.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, interpretar is used to denote performing in the context of theater or film.
How do you pronounce it?
/realiˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word cumplir is used not only to perform a duty but also to say that someone is celebrating a birthday, such as cumplir años.
- While realizar means to perform or execute a task, it is also the primary word used for 'to make' something real or to 'realize' a dream, unlike the English 'realize' which often means to suddenly understand.
- The word cabo is a linguistic doublet of the words jefe and chef, as all three originate from the same Proto-Indo-European root for 'head'.
Examples in context
- Debes cumplir con tu deber.You must perform your duty.This sentence is useful for expressing the performance of a duty using cumplir.Tatoeba #1326185 by marcelostockle, translation #16050 by Swift
- Tomás viajó al pasado para cumplir una misión.Tom traveled back in time to perform a mission.This sentence is useful for expressing the performance of a mission using cumplir.Tatoeba #2069421 by marcelostockle, translation #2069454 by marcelostockle
- Al cirujano le tomó ocho horas realizar la operación.It took the surgeon eight hours to perform the surgery.This sentence is useful for expressing the performance of a surgery using realizar.Tatoeba #2224439 by marcelostockle, translation #10136078 by DJ_Saidez
- La orquesta va a realizar una presentación en el teatro esta noche.The orchestra is going to perform at the theater tonight.
- El pianista ejecutará una pieza clásica impresionante durante el recital.The pianist will perform an impressive classical piece during the recital.
- El grupo de danza va a presentar una coreografía contemporánea en el festival.The dance group is going to perform a contemporary choreography at the festival.
- Los chicos van a actuar una comedia improvisada en la fiesta de cumpleaños.The guys are going to perform an improvised comedy at the birthday party.
- ¿Haces algún tipo de performance en el festival de este año?Are you doing any kind of performance at this year's festival?
- Los actores van a interpretar una obra de teatro clásica en el teatro nacional.The actors are going to perform a classic play at the national theater.
- El grupo de música pop va a dar un show increíble en el auditorio.The pop music group is going to give an incredible show at the auditorium.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a project at work.
- JavierMaría, ¿puedes realizar este informe hoy?María, can you perform this report today?
- MaríaSí, Javier, lo puedo hacer ahora mismo.Yes, Javier, I can do it right now.
- JavierGracias, es necesario realizar el análisis primero.Thanks, it is necessary to perform the analysis first.
- MaríaEntendido, te aviso cuando termine.Understood, I will let you know when I finish.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “perform” translations and entries realizar, cumplir, efectuar, llevar a cabo, 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 a, cabo, cumplir, efectuar, llevar, realizar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
