untar
/unˈtaɾ/
The English phrase 'spread' can be translated into Spanish as untar.
The verb untar is specifically used for spreading a substance (like butter, jam or cream) onto a surface. For the act of spreading, you can use the noun propagación. If you are referring to food designed to be spread, you can use the terms alimento untable, untura or untadura.
Meaning: (intransitive) to proliferate, to become more widely present, to be disseminated (verb)
Which one should you use?
While untar is used for physical substances, difundir or propagar should be used when talking about spreading information, news or ideas. Extender is a formal verb used for the notion of extending or spreading out physically, such as objects or substances over a surface.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of untar is untado, which can be used as an adjective to describe something that has been spread.
How do you pronounce it?
/unˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- While untar describes spreading butter, it is also used in the expression untar la mano, which literally means 'to grease the hand' but actually refers to bribing someone.
- The Spanish verb untar shares its ancient roots with the English word 'ointment', both descending from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to anoint'.
- The word untable is so common in culinary contexts that it is often used as a category on menus to group hummus, pâté and various cheeses.
Examples in context
- pasta para untarSpread [food that can be spread]This sentence is useful for learning how to describe a spread using the form untar.
- La organización busca difundir su mensaje por todo el mundo.The organization aims to spread its message worldwide.
- El virus comenzó a propagarse rápidamente por la población.The virus started spreading rapidly among the population.
- El trabajador debe extender la pintura de manera uniforme.The worker should spread the paint evenly.
- Vamos a esparcir las semillas en el jardín.Let's spread the seeds in the garden.
- Me gusta untar mantequilla en mi pan tostado.I like to spread butter on my toast.
- Ten cuidado de no correr la tinta del dibujo.Be careful not to smudge the ink in the drawing.
- Los niños comenzaron a esparcir juguetes por toda la habitación.The children started spreading toys all over the room.
- Se untó la mantequilla en el pan.He spread the butter on the bread.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are preparing breakfast together.
- Mateo¿Quieres untar la mermelada tú mismo?Do you want to spread the jam yourself?
- LucíaSí, yo lo hago, Mateo.Yes, I will do it, Mateo.
- MateoNo olvides untar bien los bordes.Don't forget to spread it well to the edges.
- LucíaEstá listo, Lucía lo ha hecho bien.It is ready, Lucía has done it well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry untar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries untar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
