Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| mostrar | /mosˈtɾaɾ/ |
| enseñar | /enseˈɲaɾ/ |
The verb mostrar is used to mean displaying or presenting something for someone to see. The verb enseñar can also mean to show, but it is very frequently used to mean 'to teach' a skill or a subject. When referring to the noun 'show' in the context of entertainment, you can use several terms: espectáculo, exhibición, actuación or representación.
Which one should you use?
mostrar is more specifically used for the act of displaying or presenting something for someone to see, whereas enseñar is often used when the intent is to teach.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In most Latin American countries, the word show is widely understood and frequently used in both formal and informal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using mostrar with object pronouns, the pronouns are attached to the end of the infinitive, such as in the form mostrártelo (to show it to you).
How do you pronounce it?
/mosˈtɾaɾ/
When do people say it?
The phrase show en vivo is used specifically to describe a live show, such as a concert.
Did you know?
- The English word 'muster' (as in 'to muster troops') is a distant linguistic relative of the Spanish verb mostrar.
- The word espectáculo describes a show but also carries a double meaning in Spanish to describe something shocking or a public scandal.
- In some contexts, enseñar can be used to describe the act of showing one's teeth or a specific body part, often implying a lack of modesty or a threat.
Examples in context
- Te enseñaré mi álbum.I'll show my album to you.This sentence shows how to use enseñar to express showing someone an object.Tatoeba #1329542 by marcelostockle, translation #250205 by CK
- Voy a mostrarte algo.I'm going to show you something.This sentence demonstrates using mostrar to express the intention of showing something to someone.Tatoeba #2069374 by hayastan, translation #2064878 by CK
- Te mostraré dónde es.I'll show you where.This sentence illustrates how to use mostrar to indicate a location.Tatoeba #2609071 by Shishir, translation #619817 by ulyssemc1
- Disfruté mucho del espectáculo de danza.I really enjoyed the dance show.
- 199 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is showing Sofia his new painting in a gallery.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿me puedes mostrar tu pintura?Daniel, can you show me your painting?
- DanielSí, mira qué colores tiene.Yes, look at the colors it has.
- SofíaEs una obra que me gusta mucho.It is a work that I like a lot.
- DanielGracias, me alegra que te guste.Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “show” translations and entries mostrar, enseñar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enseñar, mostrar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
