refrescar
/refɾesˈkaɾ/
The Spanish verb for refresh is refrescar.
In a general or figurative sense, refrescar is used when you want to refresh a memory, a feeling or a sensation.
Meaning: computing: to reload a document, web page etc. (verb)
Which one should you use?
While refrescar is used for memories or sensations, if you are talking about computing, specifically reloading a web page or a browser, Spanish speakers often use actualizar instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of refrescar is refrescado.
How do you pronounce it?
/refɾesˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word fresco can be used as a slang term to describe someone who is being 'cheeky' or acting like a 'smart-aleck'.
- While refrescar describes the action of refreshing, Spanish uses the noun refresco to mean any soft drink or soda.
- In the kitchen, to refrescar a vegetable is a technical term for plunging it into ice water to stop the cooking process immediately.
Examples in context
- Ella miró la fotografía para refrescar su memoria.She looked at the picture to refresh her memory.This sentence shows how to use refrescar when talking about refreshing a memory.Tatoeba #1466199 by marcelostockle, translation #313146 by CK
- El ejercicio moderado refrescará tanto la mente como el cuerpo.Moderate exercise will refresh both mind and body.This sentence demonstrates the use of refrescar in the context of refreshing the mind and body.Tatoeba #758988 by darinmex, translation #278714 by CM
- Marcos, ¿quieres refrescarte con un helado?Marcos, do you want to refresh yourself with an ice cream?
- Después de un día agotador, es importante renovar las energías.After an exhausting day, it is important to refresh yourself (renew your energy).
- Debes refrescar la página para ver los cambios.You should refresh the page to see the changes.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are working on a website together.
- Elena¿Ves la nueva imagen en el sitio?Do you see the new image on the site?
- MateoNo, intenta refrescar el navegador, Elena.No, try to refresh the browser, Elena.
- ElenaVale, ya aparece ahora.Okay, it appears now.
- MateoPerfecto, se ve muy bien.Perfect, it looks very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry refrescar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
