recapacitar
/rekapaθiˈtaɾ/
The English verb reflect can be translated into Spanish in several ways, including recapacitar. Wiktionary also lists reflexionar and cavilar.
Meaning: to think seriously, to ponder or consider (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| recapacitar | /rekapaθiˈtaɾ/ /rekapasiˈtaɾ/ |
| reflexionar | /refleɡsjoˈnaɾ/ |
| cavilar | /kabiˈlaɾ/ |
| discurrir | /diskuˈriɾ/ |
| elucubrar | /elukuˈbɾaɾ/ |
All these terms relate to the act of thinking seriously, pondering or considering something.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the nuance of the reflection. reflexionar is a general term for thinking deeply. recapacitar specifically implies rethinking or reconsidering one's actions or decisions, often after realizing a mistake. cavilar often carries a connotation of thinking excessively or obsessively about something, similar to the English sense of brooding. Finally, elucubrar is used when someone is constructing complex, often unfounded or overly elaborate, theories or ideas.
How do you pronounce it?
/rekapaθiˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb discurrir can mean 'to reflect' or 'to ponder', but it also literally means 'to run about' or 'to flow', much like a river running its course.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you tell someone tienes que recapacitar, you are not just asking them to think, you are subtly telling them they were wrong.
- In Spanish, reflexionar is used for both mental pondering and the physical reflection of light in a mirror.
Examples in context
- No deberías apresurarte al tomar decisiones. A veces, es útil sentarse y reflexionar.You shouldn't be so hasty in making decisions. Sometimes it's helpful to sit back and reflect.This sentence is useful for discussing the importance of sitting back and using reflexionar before making decisions.Tatoeba #10106180 by manufrutos, translation #10100260 by CK
- Siempre que te encuentres del lado de la mayoría, es el momento de parar y reflexionar.Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.This sentence is useful for suggesting that one should pause and use reflexionar when following the majority.Tatoeba #668521 by Shishir, translation #667965 by CK
- La salvación de este mundo reside sólo en el corazón del ser humano, en su capacidad para reflexionar, en la humildad y la responsabilidad.This world's salvation lies exclusively in the heart of the human being, in its ability to reflect, in humility and responsibility.This sentence is useful for describing the human capacity to use reflexionar in relation to humility and responsibility.Tatoeba #1340481 by hayastan, translation #1342124 by marcelostockle
- Después de la reunión, el profesor reflexionó sobre las ideas presentadas.After the meeting, the professor reflected on the ideas presented.
- Es importante reflexionar antes de tomar una decisión tan importante.It is important to reflect before making such an important decision.
- Es necesario meditar sobre nuestras acciones y su impacto en la sociedad.It is necessary to reflect on our actions and their impact on society.
- El filósofo meditó acerca de la naturaleza humana durante años.The philosopher reflected on human nature for years.
- Me voy a tomar un par de días para pensar detenidamente en tu propuesta.I'm going to take a couple of days to reflect on your proposal.
- Es importante pensar detenidamente antes de emitir un juicio.It's important to reflect carefully before passing judgment.
- Después de lo que me dijiste, he estado pensando mucho.After what you told me, I've been reflecting a lot.
- Voy a pensar en eso y te daré mi opinión más adelante.I'll reflect on that and give you my opinion later.
- Refleccioné sobre las consecuencias de mis acciones.I reflected on the consequences of my actions.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a mistake Mateo made at work.
- LucíaMateo, necesitas recapacitar sobre lo que hiciste.Mateo, you need to reflect on what you did.
- MateoTienes razón, Lucía. Debo recapacitar sobre mi comportamiento.You are right, Lucía. I must reflect on my behavior.
- LucíaEspero que recapacites pronto.I hope you reflect soon.
- MateoLo haré, lo prometo.I will, I promise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reflect” translations and entries recapacitar, reflexionar, cavilar, discurrir, elucubrar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cavilar, discurrir, reflexionar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
