mostrar
/mosˈtɾaɾ/
In Spanish, 'to show' is mostrar.
The most common and general term for 'to show' in Spanish is mostrar, which means to allow someone to see something by pointing it out or displaying it.
Which one should you use?
While mostrar is used to display or point something out, the verb enseñar is a very common synonym in many Spanish-speaking regions that can mean both 'to show' and 'to teach'. Additionally, exhibir serves as a more specialized variant used specifically when referring to exhibitions or displays.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you are showing something to someone, you can attach an indirect object pronoun to the end of the infinitive. For example, the form mostrarle means 'to show him/her/you (formal)'. In the past tense, the first-person singular preterite form is mostré, which means 'I showed'.
How do you pronounce it?
/mosˈtɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of mostrar, mōnstrāre, is also the ancestor of the English word 'monster', because a monster was originally a sign or a 'showing' of something supernatural.
- In some Spanish dialects, the phrase enseñar los dientes means 'to show one's teeth', but it is used idiomatically to describe someone threatening another or revealing a hidden aggressive side.
- In some contexts, the verb exhibir carries a stronger connotation of 'putting on a show' or 'flaunting' than the neutral English word 'exhibit'.
Examples in context
- Voy a mostrarte algo.I'm going to show you something.This sentence uses mostrar to express the intention of showing something to someone.Tatoeba #2069374 by hayastan, translation #2064878 by CK
- Te mostraré cómo se hace.I'm going to show you how it's done.This sentence uses mostrar to express the intention of showing how a process is done.Tatoeba #3534013 by marcelostockle, translation #7003193 by CK
- Tengo algo para mostrarte.I have something to show you.This sentence uses mostrar to indicate possession of something intended to be shown to someone.Tatoeba #1555799 by hayastan, translation #1553469 by CK
- Me gustaría mostrarles mi nuevo proyecto.I would like to show you my new project.
- El profesor mostró a sus estudiantes cómo resolver el problema.The teacher showed his students how to solve the problem.
- La galería exhibirá obras de arte contemporáneo este mes.The gallery will exhibit contemporary artwork this month.
- El museo exhibió una colección única de dinosaurios.The museum exhibited a unique collection of dinosaurs.
- ¡Te voy a enseñar cómo hacer una paella deliciosa!I'm going to show you how to make a delicious paella!
- María me enseñó su álbum de fotos de las vacaciones.María showed me her vacation photo album.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are at an art gallery.
- Lucía¿Me puedes mostrar esa pintura?Can you show me that painting?
- JavierClaro, te la voy a mostrar ahora.Sure, I am going to show it to you now.
- LucíaEs hermosa, gracias por mostrarla.It is beautiful, thanks for showing it.
- JavierDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mostrar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
