llenar
/ʝeˈnaɾ/
The English phrase "to fill" is translated into Spanish as llenar.
llenar is used to describe the action of putting enough of something into a container to make it full. It is also the standard verb used for the English concept of "filling out" or "completing" a document or a form, such as llenar un formulario. While llenar is often used to fill a container, you can also use it reflexively. For objects like sandwiches or bags, you might use rellenar to mean "to stuff" or "to fill up".
Which one should you use?
While llenar is used for filling a container or a form, it is distinct from completar, which focuses more on finishing a task or reaching a required amount.
How does it change in a sentence?
llenar is a regular -ar verb. This means its subjunctive forms follow standard conjugation patterns, such as llene for the first and third person singular. The past participle llenado is used to form perfect tenses and can also function as an adjective meaning "filled".
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝeˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb llenar is used in the common expression llenar los ojos, which describes something so beautiful or impressive that it satisfies the gaze.
- The verb llenar is a direct descendant of the Latin adjective plēnus, which is the same ancestor for the English word 'full'.
- In Spanish, you can use llenar to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by an emotion, such as saying one's heart is 'filled' with joy.
Examples in context
- Tom tiene que llenar estas formas.Tom has to fill out these forms.This sentence is useful for showing how to use llenar when talking about completing forms.Tatoeba #1411174 by marcelostockle, translation #1177558 by CK
- Debemos llenar este hoyo con algo.We've got to fill this hole with something.This sentence shows how to use llenar in the context of filling a hole.Tatoeba #2153456 by marcelostockle, translation #59497 by CK
- ¿En cuánto tiempo se llenará la bañera?How much longer will it take for the tub to fill?This sentence demonstrates the use of llenar when discussing how long it takes for a tub to fill.Tatoeba #6393125 by dfrankmv, translation #240140 by CK
- Por favor, llene el formulario con sus datos personales.Please fill out the form with your personal information.
- Doctor, me tengo que llenar de valor antes de hablar en público.Doctor, I need to gather courage before speaking in public.
- Le solicito que rellene este cuestionario detalladamente.I kindly ask you to fill in this questionnaire in detail.
- Chicos, ¡llenen la piscina con agua!Guys, fill the pool with water!
- Completa la solicitud con tus datos personales.Fill in the application form with your personal information.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are preparing drinks in the kitchen.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿puedes llenar la jarra de agua?Daniel, can you fill the pitcher with water?
- DanielClaro, voy a llenar la jarra ahora.Sure, I'm going to fill the pitcher now.
- ElenaGracias, también necesito llenar los vasos.Thanks, I also need to fill the glasses.
- DanielNo hay problema, yo lo hago.No problem, I'll do it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry llenar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llenar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
