reinar
/reiˈnaɾ/
The English phrase 'reign' is translated into Spanish as reinar.
reinar is used to describe the act of exercising sovereign power or the period during which a monarch rules.
Meaning: the period during which a monarch rules (noun)
Which one should you use?
While reinar is used for a monarch's rule, the verb imperar is often used when a specific quality or feeling, such as chaos or silence, dominates a situation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person plural present indicative form of reinar is reinan (they reign), and the third-person singular preterite form is reinó (he/she reigned).
How do you pronounce it?
/reiˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The English word 'right', in the sense of a legal claim, and the Spanish verb reinar both share an ancestral connection to the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- The Spanish noun related to 'reign', reino, is the standard term used by scientists to translate the English word 'kingdom' in biological classifications, such as the 'reino animal'.
Examples in context
- Más vale reinar en el Infierno que servir en el Cielo.Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven.This example shows the use of reinar in a metaphorical context.Tatoeba #868206 by Shishir, translation #868199 by Scott
- De diez y seis años era Uzzías cuando comenzó á reinar, y cincuenta y dos años reinó en Jerusalem.Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem.This example uses reinar to describe the duration of a monarch's rule.
- El rey reinará durante muchos años.The king will reign for many years
- Su mandato como CEO terminó abruptamente.His reign as CEO ended abruptly
- La época de gobierno del rey se caracterizó por la prosperidad.The king's reign was characterized by prosperity
- Su periodo de reinado estuvo marcado por avances culturales.Her reign period was marked by cultural advancements
- En su reinado, la ciudad experimentó un crecimiento notable.During his reign, the city experienced remarkable growth.
- El reinado del dictador llegó a su fin con su muerte.The dictator's reign came to an end with his death.
- Su época de gobierno provocó cambios sociales significativos.Her government era brought about significant social changes.
- El periodo de reinado del rey duró tres décadas.The king's reign period lasted for three decades.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a history book in a library.
- JavierEste libro describe cómo empezó a reinar Felipe II.This book describes how Philip II began to reign.
- SofíaFue un periodo muy largo y complejo.It was a very long and complex period.
- Javier¿Crees que fue un buen líder al reinar?Do you think he was a good leader while reigning?
- SofíaDepende de a quién le preguntes, Javier.It depends on who you ask, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry reinar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reinar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
