Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| presentar | /pɾesenˈtaɾ/ |
| exponer | /eɡspoˈneɾ/ |
Presentar is used to describe the act of putting something forward so that it can be seen, such as showing or exhibiting an object for inspection. It is also the standard verb for introducing people to one another or submitting documents.
Which one should you use?
Use presentar when you are introducing people, submitting documents or showing an object for inspection. In contrast, use exponer when you are presenting an idea, a theory or a detailed exhibition.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Presentar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows the same standard patterns as verbs like hablar. When introducing one person to another, you will often use presentar with indirect object pronouns such as le or les to indicate to whom the person is being introduced.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾesenˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using presentar to mean 'to present a gift'. This is a common error for English speakers. To express giving a physical gift, use dar (to give) or entregar (to hand over) instead.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the act of using presentar to introduce people is often accompanied by a beso (cheek kiss), even in first-time meetings between women or a man and a woman.
- The Spanish verb exponer is built from the Latin roots meaning 'out' and 'to put', which is why it is used for presenting ideas or theories rather than just physical objects.
- If you try to say you want to presentar un regalo, a Spanish speaker might think you are trying to formally introduce a gift as if it were a person.
Examples in context
- Permítame presentarle a mi hermana.Allow me to present to you my sister.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of presentar when introducing a person.Tatoeba #1973463 by Shishir, translation #9819311 by DJ_Saidez
- Me presentarán las cuentas anuales.They will present me with the annual accounts.This sentence shows how presentar is used for the submission of documents like accounts.Tatoeba #7786887 by arh, translation #8203367 by magnificentgoddess
- Otras empresas presentarán sus propuestas también.Other companies will present their offers as well.This sentence demonstrates how presentar can be used for presenting proposals or offers.Tatoeba #1153909 by marcelostockle, translation #1153910 by marcelostockle
- Le agradecí por el regalo que me dio.I thanked him/her for the present they gave me.
- El embajador presentó un obsequio al presidente.The ambassador presented a gift to the president.
- ¡Qué bonito regalo me has dado!What a beautiful present you have given me!
- Te traje un detalle de mi viaje.I brought you a little present from my trip.
- ¡Qué lindo detalle me trajiste de tus vacaciones!What a lovely present you brought me from your vacation!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at an art gallery.
- MateoMañana voy a presentar mi nueva obra.Tomorrow I am going to present my new work.
- María¡Qué bien! ¿Dónde vas a presentarla?That's great! Where are you going to present it?
- MateoLa voy a presentar en esta galería.I am going to present it in this gallery.
- MaríaSeguro que a todos les encantará, Mateo.I'm sure everyone will love it, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “present” translations and entries presentar, exponer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries exponer, presentar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
