presumir
/pɾesuˈmiɾ/
The English phrase 'show off' is translated into Spanish as presumir.
The verb presumir means to behave in a way that proudly displays one's abilities or possessions to get attention or admiration.
Which one should you use?
You may also use fanfarronear when you specifically mean to brag. The phrase presumir de is an informal way to express 'to show off'.
How does it change in a sentence?
presumir is used in its infinitive form to mean 'to show off' or 'to boast'. When used transitively, it is followed directly by the object being shown off, such as presumir su riqueza (to show off one's wealth). The participle form presumido or presumida can be used as an adjective to describe a person who is a show-off.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾesuˈmiɾ/
Did you know?
- The alternative verb fanfarronear is derived from the word fanfarrona, which refers to the loud, blaring sound of a trumpet.
- While presumir often means to show off, in some contexts it can also mean 'to assume' or 'to suppose', much like the English word 'presume'.
- While presumir is the standard verb, using dar la nota is a common idiomatic way to describe someone 'showing off' or 'trying to stand out' in a social group.
Examples in context
- No deberías presumir tus pecados.You shouldn't show off your sins.This sentence uses presumir to describe showing off sins.Tatoeba #1153426 by marcelostockle, translation #1153428 by marcelostockle
- Ella me habló en inglés solamente por presumir.She spoke English to me just to show off.This sentence uses presumir to describe someone showing off by speaking English.Tatoeba #745596 by Shishir, translation #313482 by CK
- Quiso presumir su astucia en la lección, pero fracasó.She wanted to show off her cleverness during class, but she failed.This sentence uses presumir to describe someone attempting to show off their cleverness.Tatoeba #2854489 by cueyayotl, translation #2854451 by AlanF_US
- Él siempre presume de sus éxitos laborales.He always shows off his professional achievements.
- No deberías jactarte de tus posesiones.You shouldn't show off your possessions.
- Es inapropiado alardear de tus donaciones.It is inappropriate to show off about your donations.
- Siempre está fardando de sus viajes al extranjero.He's always showing off about his trips abroad.
- Para de presumir de tus nuevas zapatillas.Stop showing off your new sneakers.
- Desde que ganó el concurso, se pone gallito/a.Since winning the contest, he/she has been showing off.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a coworker at a party.
- DanielÉl no para de presumir su coche nuevo.He won't stop showing off his new car.
- MaríaEs verdad, siempre quiere presumir delante de todos.It's true, he always wants to show off in front of everyone.
- Daniel¿Crees que lo hace por atención?Do you think he does it for attention?
- MaríaSí, a él le encanta presumir.Yes, he loves to show off.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry presumir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
