Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| presentar | /pɾesenˈtaɾ/ |
| exponer | /eɡspoˈneɾ/ |
The verb presentar is used to express the act of presenting something. If you are referring to a 'present' as a gift, regalo is the most common word, while presente is another option. For a formal context, you can use obsequio. The noun form for a presentation, such as a speech or a slideshow, is presentación.
Which one should you use?
While presentar is used for the general act of introducing or showing something, exponer is used when the presentation involves an exhibition of ideas or facts or when you need to explain something in detail.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using presentar to introduce one person to another, it is typically used with an indirect object pronoun, such as le presento a…, to indicate who is receiving the introduction.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾesenˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, if you use presentar to introduce people, it is common to prioritize the person of higher social or professional status first.
- The word exponer can also mean 'to expose' someone to a risk or a danger, which is a more literal interpretation of its root than the act of giving a presentation.
- The Spanish verb exponer is built from the Latin elements meaning 'out of' and 'to put', creating a literal image of 'putting something out' for view.
Examples in context
- Permítame presentarle a mi hermana.Allow me to present to you my sister.This sentence is useful for practicing how to introduce someone using presentar.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 to use presentar regarding receiving 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 the use of presentar in a business context regarding offers.Tatoeba #1153909 by marcelostockle, translation #1153910 by marcelostockle
- Me gustaría presentarles a nuestro nuevo gerente de ventas.I would like to introduce our new sales manager to you.
- ¡Qué bonito regalo! No sé cómo agradecerte.What a nice present! I don't know how to thank you.
- Hemos preparado un pequeño obsequio para nuestros invitados.We have prepared a small present for our guests.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a design studio during a meeting.
- AlejandroElena, ¿vas a presentar los diseños hoy?Elena, are you going to present the designs today?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, ya tengo todo listo.Yes, Alejandro, I have everything ready.
- AlejandroPerfecto, el cliente quiere presentar sus ideas pronto.Perfect, the client wants to present his ideas soon.
- ElenaEntonces, empecemos con la presentación ahora.Then, let's start with the presentation now.
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.
