Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| comparecer | /kompaɾeˈθeɾ/ /kompaɾeˈseɾ/ |
| personarse | /peɾsoˈnaɾse/ |
| apersonarse | /apeɾsoˈnaɾse/ |
These verbs are used to describe the act of appearing or presenting oneself, but they carry more weight than the general verb aparecer, which is used for objects appearing or people showing up unexpectedly. The forms personarse and apersonarse specifically describe a person physically presenting themselves at a location, often for administrative or formal reasons.
Which one should you use?
While aparecer is used for a general 'showing up' (such as an object appearing or a person suddenly showing up), the forms comparecer, personarse and apersonarse imply a more formal or intentional presence. Comparecer is specifically used when appearing before an authority or a court, whereas personarse and apersonarse focus on a person presenting themselves at a specific location.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Comparecer is a formal term used primarily in legal or official contexts to mean appearing before a court or authority. Similarly, personarse is used in a formal or administrative capacity when one physically presents themselves at a location.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms personarse and apersonarse are pronominal verbs. This means they must be used with reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to indicate that the subject is performing the action upon themselves.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompaɾeˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- The word comparecer shares a root with the English word 'compare', as both stem from the Latin idea of things appearing or being placed side by side.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, apersonarse can imply a sense of taking responsibility or stepping forward to claim something, rather than just arriving at a location.
- The verbs personarse and apersonarse are so formal that using them in a casual setting can be used as a joke to make a simple arrival sound like a grand official event.
Examples in context
- Es importante que asistas a la reunión mañana a las 9 AM.It is important that you show up for the meeting tomorrow at 9 AM.
- Es imperativo que todos los empleados asistan a la reunión del lunes.It is imperative that all employees show up for the Monday meeting.
- Recuerda presentarte a tiempo en la conferencia.Remember to show up on time at the conference.
- ¿A qué hora vas a llegar a la fiesta esta noche?What time are you going to show up at the party tonight?
- ¿Te parece si llegamos a la fiesta juntos?Would it be okay if we show up at the party together?
- No esperaba que aparecieras aquí. ¡Qué sorpresa!I didn't expect you to show up here. What a surprise!
- Tiene la obligación de comparecer ante el juez.He has the obligation to appear before the judge.
- El testigo decidió comparecer en el juicio.The witness decided to appear at the trial.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a legal summons.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿tienes que comparecer en el tribunal?Daniel, do you have to show up in court?
- DanielSí, debo estar allí a las diez.Yes, I have to be there at ten.
- SofíaEspero que todo se resuelva rápido.I hope everything is resolved quickly.
- DanielYo también, así que iré puntual.Me too, so I will be on time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “show up” translations and entries comparecer, personarse, apersonarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
