grabar
/ɡɾaˈbaɾ/
The English phrase 'taping' is translated into Spanish as grabar.
grabar refers to the act of recording sound or video using an electronic device. Note that the verb can also mean the act of engraving or carving something into a surface.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you might use grabar en video to mean 'to tape on video' or use filmar to mean 'to film' when referring to recording. In Argentina, the word filmación is used when talking about taping.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form grabar is used to express the act of recording, equivalent to 'to record'. To express the continuous action of recording right now, use the gerund grabando.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾaˈbaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse grabar with gravar, which means to impose a tax or a lien.
Did you know?
- The verb grabar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'grave', which is why it carries the dual meaning of 'to record' and 'to engrave'.
- While grabar and gravar sound identical in most Spanish dialects, they are not interchangeable. Using gravar instead of grabar changes the meaning from 'recording' to 'taxing'.
Examples in context
- La grabación del programa comenzará en unos minutosThe taping of the show will begin in a few minutes
- El registro de imágenes estaba a cargo de un destacado cineastaThe taping was handled by a renowned filmmaker
- El registro sonoro del concierto fue excelenteThe taping of the concert was excellent
- Vamos a grabar la fiesta de cumpleaños para tener un recuerdoLet's tape the birthday party to have a memory
- Hazme una grabación del concierto para que pueda escucharlo despuésRecord a tape of the concert so I can listen to it later
- Voy a filmar el concierto para tener un recuerdoI'm going to film the concert to have a memory
- Vamos a filmar la obra de teatro para compartir con nuestros amigosWe're going to tape the play to share with our friends
- Estoy grabando un video.I am recording a video.
- Voy a grabar la clase de hoy.I am going to record today's class.
- ¿Puedes grabar la entrevista con tu móvil?Can you record the interview with your mobile?
- No quiero grabar este video.I don't want to record this video.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are in a studio preparing for a podcast.
- ElenaJavier, ¿vas a grabar la sesión ahora?Javier, are you going to record the session now?
- JavierSí, Elena, estoy listo para grabar.Yes, Elena, I am ready to record.
- ElenaPerfecto, comprueba que el micrófono funcione.Perfect, check that the microphone works.
- JavierTodo está listo para empezar.Everything is ready to start.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry grabar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grabar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
