At the A1 level, you are just starting your Spanish journey. While 'esbozar' is a bit advanced, you can think of it as a special way to say 'to draw' (dibujar). Imagine you are in an art class. Instead of making a perfect picture, you just draw the basic shapes quickly. That is 'esbozar'. You might use it to say 'I sketch a dog' (Yo esbozo un perro). It is a good word to know if you like art or if you want to describe how you start a drawing. At this level, don't worry about the complex grammar; just remember it means a 'rough drawing'. It's like the first step of making something beautiful. You can also use it for a very small smile, like when you are a little bit happy but not laughing. It's a nice, gentle word to add to your basic vocabulary. Even if you don't use it often, recognizing it will help you understand more when people talk about their hobbies or their feelings.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'esbozar' to describe your plans and simple projects. For example, if you are doing a school project, you can say 'Esbozo mi proyecto' to mean you are making a simple plan or outline. This is more sophisticated than just saying 'Hago mi proyecto'. It shows you understand the process of starting something. You can also use it to describe facial expressions in a simple way, like 'Ella esboza una sonrisa' (She starts to smile). This is very common in stories. At this level, you should be able to conjugate 'esbozar' in the present tense (yo esbozo, tú esbozas, él esboza...) and perhaps the simple past (yo esboce, tú esbozaste...). It's a great verb for talking about your creative hobbies, like drawing, writing, or even cooking, when you are just starting to think of a new recipe. Using 'esbozar' makes your Spanish sound more natural and less like a textbook.
At the B1 level, you should feel comfortable using 'esbozar' in both literal and metaphorical contexts. You can use it in professional or academic settings to describe the preliminary phase of a task. For instance, 'Antes de escribir el informe, voy a esbozar los puntos clave' (Before writing the report, I'm going to outline the key points). This shows a higher level of organization in your speech. You should also understand its use in more literary or descriptive Spanish, particularly for subtle gestures. At this level, you should be familiar with its synonyms like 'bosquejar' and understand that 'esbozar' is often the preferred choice for abstract ideas. You can use it in various tenses, including the imperfect and the future, to describe ongoing or planned creative processes. It's a key word for participating in discussions about projects, where you might need to say 'Estamos esbozando una solución' (We are sketching out a solution).
At the B2 level, 'esbozar' becomes a tool for precise communication. You can use it to distinguish between a final product and a work in progress. In a business context, you might say 'El director esbozó las líneas maestras del nuevo plan estratégico,' which implies a high-level overview. You should also be able to use it in the passive voice (se esboza, son esbozados) which is common in formal writing. At this level, you should appreciate the stylistic value of the word—how it adds a touch of elegance to your descriptions. For example, instead of saying someone 'looked happy,' you could say 'Esbozó una leve sonrisa al recibir la noticia.' You should also be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Habiendo esbozado el plan, procedimos a la ejecución.' This level of mastery allows you to convey not just the action, but the intent and the stage of development of whatever you are discussing.
At the C1 level, 'esbozar' is part of your nuanced vocabulary for analysis and description. You can use it to talk about the 'esbozo' (the noun form, meaning 'sketch' or 'draft') of a theory or a philosophical argument. You understand that the word carries a connotation of potential—that what is being 'esbozado' is the seed of something larger. In academic writing, you might use it to critique the work of others, such as 'El autor solo llega a esbozar el problema, sin profundizar en sus causas.' This shows you can use the word to evaluate the depth of an argument. You are also aware of its use in art criticism and history, where it describes the evolution of a style or a specific work. Your use of 'esbozar' should be seamless, appearing in both formal presentations and sophisticated social interactions where you might be 'esbozando' a complex idea for your peers.
At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'esbozar' and its place within the vast landscape of the Spanish language. You can use it with poetic precision, capturing the most subtle shifts in emotion or the most abstract conceptual frameworks. You might use it in a literary essay to describe how a novelist 'esboza' a character through dialogue rather than direct description. You are also familiar with its use in legal, scientific, and highly technical registers, where 'esbozar' serves as a precise term for the initial formulation of a concept. You can play with its synonyms and antonyms to create rich, textured prose. At this level, the word is not just a verb you know; it's a tool you use to shape the listener's or reader's perception of the world. You understand the historical weight of the word and can use it to evoke a sense of professional mastery and intellectual clarity in any context.

esbozar 30초 만에

  • Esbozar means to sketch or outline, serving as the first step in creating art or developing a complex plan.
  • It is a regular -ar verb used across artistic, professional, and literary contexts to describe preliminary work.
  • A common idiomatic use is 'esbozar una sonrisa', referring to a faint or beginning smile appearing on the face.
  • It differs from 'dibujar' by focusing on the rough, foundational stage rather than the finished, detailed drawing.

The Spanish verb esbozar is a sophisticated and versatile term that primarily translates to "to sketch," "to outline," or "to draft." At its most literal level, it refers to the act of creating a preliminary drawing or a rough representation of an artistic work. However, its utility extends far beyond the canvas, permeating professional, academic, and emotional contexts. When an artist esboza, they are not seeking perfection; they are capturing the essence, the proportions, and the basic structure of their vision before committing to the final details. This makes the word essential for anyone involved in creative processes, from architecture to graphic design.

Artistic Context
In the world of fine arts, esbozar is the first step of creation. It involves using light strokes to define shapes. For example, a painter might esbozar a portrait before applying oils.

Beyond the physical act of drawing, esbozar is frequently used metaphorically to describe the initial stages of a plan, a theory, or a project. In a business meeting, a manager might esbozar a new strategy on a whiteboard. This usage implies that the ideas are still in their infancy—they are recognizable and structured, but flexible and subject to change. It suggests a level of intellectual preparation that precedes formal documentation or implementation. Using esbozar instead of planear (to plan) adds a nuance of creativity and preliminary thought, suggesting that the speaker is currently in the process of shaping the concept.

El arquitecto comenzó a esbozar los planos del nuevo edificio en una servilleta durante el almuerzo.

Emotional Nuance
One of the most poetic uses of the word is in the phrase "esbozar una sonrisa". This doesn't mean to draw a smile with a pencil, but rather to let a faint, incipient smile appear on one's face. It suggests a subtle, perhaps shy or hesitant, emotional reaction.

In literature and formal writing, esbozar is a favorite for authors who want to describe the presentation of an argument or the development of a character's traits. A writer might esbozar the themes of a novel in the first chapter. This usage signals to the reader that more depth is coming, but the foundation is being laid now. It is a word that carries an air of professional competence and intellectual foresight. When you use esbozar, you are communicating that you have a vision, even if the final details are yet to be polished.

Al escuchar la noticia, ella no pudo evitar esbozar una pequeña sonrisa de satisfacción.

Finally, in academic and scientific contexts, esbozar is used when a researcher outlines a hypothesis or a preliminary set of results. It implies a rigorous but non-finalized state of work. The word bridges the gap between the abstract thought and the concrete reality. It is a transitional verb, moving something from the realm of pure imagination into a tangible, albeit rough, form. Understanding this word allows a learner to move from basic descriptions of "drawing" to more nuanced descriptions of creation and planning across multiple disciplines.

Es necesario esbozar los puntos principales antes de empezar a escribir el ensayo final.

Usage in Daily Life
While it sounds formal, you can use it when talking about your day. "Estoy esbozando mis vacaciones" means you're starting to think about where to go and what to do, without having booked anything yet.

Antes de la reunión, decidí esbozar mis ideas principales en un cuaderno.

El diseñador gráfico logró esbozar el logotipo en menos de cinco minutos.

Using esbozar correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb. This means it almost always takes a direct object—the thing being sketched or outlined. Whether that object is physical (like a drawing) or abstract (like a plan), the verb indicates a preliminary action. In this section, we will explore the various syntactical structures and contexts where esbozar shines, helping you integrate it naturally into your Spanish vocabulary.

Literal/Artistic Use
When talking about art, the structure is [Subject] + [Conjugated Esbozar] + [Noun]. Example: "El artista esbozó el paisaje antes de pintarlo." Here, the focus is on the physical act of drawing lines.

In professional settings, esbozar is a powerful tool for describing the conceptualization phase. It is often used in the infinitive form following other verbs like necesitar, querer, or empezar a. For instance, "Tenemos que esbozar una estrategia para el próximo trimestre." This usage emphasizes the need for a framework before moving into detailed execution. It conveys a sense of organized progression and strategic thinking, which is highly valued in business Spanish.

Durante la sesión de lluvia de ideas, el equipo pudo esbozar varias soluciones innovadoras.

Metaphorical Use: Smiles and Gestures
This is perhaps the most frequent use in literature. The object is usually una sonrisa or un gesto. Example: "Ella esbozó un gesto de duda cuando le conté la historia." It implies the gesture was faint or just beginning.

Grammatically, esbozar is a regular -ar verb, which makes it relatively easy to conjugate. However, its usage is often elevated. In conversational Spanish, you might hear it when someone is explaining a complex idea and says, "Déjame esbozarte mi idea," which means "Let me give you a rough outline of my idea." The addition of the indirect object pronoun te indicates who the outline is being presented to. This structure is very common in collaborative environments.

El profesor esbozó el esquema del examen en la pizarra para que los alumnos supieran qué estudiar.

Another interesting context is in the realm of law or policy. A lawyer might esbozar a defense, or a politician might esbozar a reform. In these cases, the word implies that the core principles are being established. It is rarely used for the final, polished version of a document. If you are writing a report, you might say, "En este informe, se esbozan las líneas generales del proyecto." This passive construction (using se) is very common in formal writing to describe what the document contains.

Al final de la charla, el conferencista esbozó los desafíos futuros de la industria.

Planning and Organization
Use it when you are in the "pre-production" phase. "Estamos esbozando el guion de la película." This tells the listener that the story is being formed but isn't finished.

¿Podrías esbozar rápidamente cómo funcionaría el nuevo sistema?

Me gusta esbozar mis pensamientos en un diario todas las mañanas.

While esbozar is a word you'll frequently encounter in books and newspapers, it also has a firm place in spoken Spanish, especially in creative and intellectual circles. If you find yourself in an art studio, a design agency, or an architecture firm, esbozar will be a daily staple. You'll hear architects saying, "Voy a esbozar una idea rápida sobre el terreno," or designers discussing how to esbozar a user interface. In these environments, the word represents the vital first step of the creative journey.

In the Media
News anchors often use esbozar when reporting on government announcements. "El ministro esbozó las nuevas medidas económicas." This suggests the public is getting a preview, not the full details.

In academic settings, such as universities or research centers, you will hear professors and students using esbozar to describe the process of developing a thesis or a project proposal. A student might say, "He esbozado los capítulos de mi tesis," indicating they have a clear structure but haven't written the full text yet. This usage is common in tutorials and seminars where ideas are being refined. It signals a level of preparation and serious intent, distinguishing a student who is just starting from one who has a clear roadmap.

En la radio, el analista político comenzó a esbozar las posibles consecuencias de las elecciones.

Literature and Storytelling
Novels are full of characters who esbozan sonrisas or esbozan gestos. It is a key word for describing subtle human interactions and internal emotions becoming visible.

You will also hear esbozar in professional development workshops and seminars. Facilitators might ask participants to "esbozar un plan de acción personal." In this context, it functions as a call to action—encouraging people to start putting their thoughts into a structured format. It is a word that bridges the gap between thinking and doing. If you are watching a Spanish-language documentary about history or science, the narrator might use esbozar to describe how an ancient civilization first began to develop a specific technology or social structure.

El guía del museo nos ayudó a esbozar mentalmente la evolución del arte renacentista.

In the culinary world, particularly in high-end gastronomy, chefs might esbozar a new dish. This involves sketching the presentation or outlining the flavor profiles. If you watch Spanish cooking shows like "MasterChef España," you might hear the judges or contestants using this term to describe their creative process. It highlights the artistic nature of modern cooking. Finally, in everyday life, someone might use it to describe a vague recollection: "Puedo esbozar lo que pasó esa noche, pero no recuerdo todos los detalles." This usage perfectly captures the "rough outline" essence of the word.

En el café, escuché a dos emprendedores esbozar su próximo modelo de negocio.

Cinematic Use
In films, when a detective is trying to solve a crime, they might esbozar a profile of the suspect. It’s a word associated with deduction and discovery.

El detective logró esbozar un retrato hablado del sospechoso gracias a los testigos.

La científica pudo esbozar la estructura de la molécula en la pizarra.

Learning to use esbozar correctly involves navigating a few common pitfalls. The most frequent mistake for English speakers is confusing it with dibujar (to draw). While they are related, dibujar is a general term for the act of drawing, while esbozar specifically refers to the preliminary, rough, or unfinished stage. If you say "Voy a esbozar un cuadro" and then spend five hours meticulously painting every detail, you have misused the word. Esbozar is about the quick, foundational work.

Confusing with 'Borrar'
Because the words sound somewhat similar to a non-native ear, some beginners confuse esbozar with borrar (to erase). Remember: esbozar is for creating; borrar is for removing.

Another common error is using esbozar in contexts that are too informal or simplistic. For example, saying "Voy a esbozar mi nombre" (I'm going to sketch my name) sounds odd unless you are a graffiti artist designing a tag. For simple writing or signing, use escribir or firmar. Esbozar implies a level of complexity or conceptualization that simple tasks don't possess. It's a word with a certain "weight" to it, and using it for trivial things can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Incorrecto: Voy a esbozar la lista de la compra. (Demasiado formal/extraño)

Overusing with Smiles
While "esbozar una sonrisa" is a beautiful phrase, overusing it in every conversation can make your Spanish sound like a 19th-century novel. Use sonreír for normal, everyday smiling.

Misunderstanding the level of detail is also a frequent issue. Some learners use esbozar when they actually mean detallar (to detail) or explicar a fondo (to explain in depth). If you tell someone you will esbozar the plan, they will expect a summary or a basic structure. If you then provide a 50-page document with every minute detail, you haven't just sketched it; you've fully developed it. Using the right word helps manage expectations in professional communication.

Correcto: Primero esbozamos el plan y luego lo detallamos punto por punto.

Finally, watch out for the reflexive form. While some verbs in Spanish change meaning significantly when made reflexive (like ir vs irse), esbozarse is rarely used. You sketch something; the sketch doesn't usually sketch itself. You might see "Se esboza una figura en la niebla" (A figure is outlined/appears in the fog), but this is a passive use of se, not a true reflexive. Stick to using it as a transitive verb with a clear object to avoid confusion.

Es un error común decir "me esbozo" cuando quieres decir "estoy haciendo un boceto de mí mismo".

Pronunciation Pitfall
Ensure you pronounce the 'z' correctly (like an 's' in Latin America or a 'th' in Spain). Don't let it sound like an English 'z' sound, which doesn't exist in Spanish.

Recuerda: esbozar es para el comienzo, no para el final de un trabajo.

No confundas esbozar con terminar; son etapas opuestas del proceso creativo.

To truly master esbozar, it helps to understand its "neighbors"—other Spanish verbs that share similar meanings but have distinct nuances. The closest synonym is bosquejar. In many contexts, these two are interchangeable, both meaning to sketch or outline. However, bosquejar often feels slightly more technical or related to physical objects (like a forest or a structure, hence the root bosque), while esbozar is frequently used for abstract ideas and facial expressions.

Esbozar vs. Bosquejar
Esbozar: Often more abstract or emotional (esbozar una sonrisa).
Bosquejar: Often more structural or physical (bosquejar un plano).

Another important alternative is delinear. While esbozar implies a rough, perhaps messy first attempt, delinear suggests more precision. When you delinear something, you are tracing the exact lines or boundaries. It is a more clinical, careful word. If a politician esboza a plan, it's a general idea; if they delinean a plan, they are being very specific about the limits and scope of that plan. Choosing between them depends on how much precision you want to convey.

El ingeniero prefirió delinear los límites de la propiedad antes de esbozar la casa.

Trazar
This verb means "to trace" or "to draw a line." It is often used for maps, routes, or paths. "Trazar un plan" is a very common alternative to "esbozar un plan," but it feels more definitive.

For the emotional context, insinuar (to insinuate/hint) can sometimes be an alternative to esbozar. If someone esboza una sonrisa, they are also insinuando a feeling of happiness. However, insinuar is more about the hidden meaning, while esbozar is about the physical appearance of the smile. In writing, you might also use plantear (to pose/propose). "Plantear una idea" is similar to "esbozar una idea," but plantear focuses on the act of presenting it for discussion, whereas esbozar focuses on the act of giving it its first form.

Para estudiar mejor, es útil esquematizar los temas principales de cada unidad.

Finally, consider proyectar (to project/plan). This is used for long-term visions. While you might esbozar what you're doing next week, you proyectas your career over the next ten years. Proyectar implies looking forward into the future, while esbozar is more about the immediate act of creation. Understanding these subtle differences will help you choose the exact right word for your situation, making your Spanish sound more sophisticated and precise.

No solo queremos esbozar una mejora, queremos proyectar un cambio total.

Summary of Alternatives
  • Dibujar: General drawing.
  • Bosquejar: Structural sketch.
  • Delinear: Precise boundaries.
  • Esquematizar: Logic-based outline.

El autor suele esbozar sus personajes antes de escribir el primer capítulo.

Es fascinante ver cómo un artista puede esbozar una emoción con solo dos líneas.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word originally described the physical act of chipping away at stone to find a shape, a beautiful metaphor for how we 'chip away' at an idea until it takes form.

발음 가이드

UK /es.boˈθaɾ/
US /es.boˈsaɾ/
Last syllable (oxytone/aguda).
라임이 맞는 단어
cantar hablar amar llegar pensar mirar andar soñar
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the 'z' like an English 'z' (vibrating).
  • Putting the stress on the first or second syllable.
  • Failing to roll the 'r' at the end slightly.
  • Pronouncing the 'e' as 'ay' instead of a short 'eh'.
  • Merging the 's' and 'b' sounds too much.

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in literature and news, easy to recognize once learned.

쓰기 4/5

Requires understanding of nuance to use instead of 'dibujar' or 'planear'.

말하기 4/5

Conjugation is easy, but finding the right context takes practice.

듣기 3/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in professional or artistic talk.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

dibujar plan idea sonreír papel

다음에 배울 것

bosquejar delinear esquematizar proyectar desarrollar

고급

incipiente preliminar maqueta borrador trazado

알아야 할 문법

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Yo esbozo, tú esbozas, él esboza.

Transitive verb usage

Esbozar [objeto directo].

Infinitive as a noun

Esbozar es el primer paso.

Passive 'se'

Se esboza un plan.

Gerund construction

Estoy esbozando mi idea.

수준별 예문

1

Yo esbozo un gato.

I sketch a cat.

Simple present tense, first person singular.

2

¿Tú esbozas flores?

Do you sketch flowers?

Question form, second person singular.

3

Él esboza una casa.

He sketches a house.

Third person singular.

4

Nosotros esbozamos un sol.

We sketch a sun.

First person plural.

5

Ellos esbozan un árbol.

They sketch a tree.

Third person plural.

6

Me gusta esbozar animales.

I like to sketch animals.

Infinitive form after a verb of preference.

7

Ella esboza una sonrisa.

She sketches a smile (She starts to smile).

Idiomatic use for facial expressions.

8

Esbozar es divertido.

Sketching is fun.

Infinitive used as a noun.

1

Esbozo mi tarea de arte.

I'm sketching my art homework.

Present tense, focus on a specific task.

2

Mañana voy a esbozar el plan.

Tomorrow I am going to outline the plan.

Future with 'ir a'.

3

¿Esbozaste el dibujo ayer?

Did you sketch the drawing yesterday?

Preterite tense, second person singular.

4

Ella esbozó su idea en un papel.

She sketched her idea on a piece of paper.

Preterite tense, focus on a completed action.

5

Queremos esbozar nuestra nueva casa.

We want to sketch our new house.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

6

Él siempre esboza antes de pintar.

He always sketches before painting.

Present tense expressing a habit.

7

Esbozamos el itinerario del viaje.

We outlined the travel itinerary.

Preterite tense, first person plural.

8

No es difícil esbozar un mapa.

It's not difficult to sketch a map.

Negative construction with infinitive.

1

El arquitecto esbozó el diseño inicial.

The architect sketched the initial design.

Preterite tense, professional context.

2

Es necesario esbozar los puntos principales.

It is necessary to outline the main points.

Impersonal expression with infinitive.

3

Mientras hablaba, esbozaba figuras en su libreta.

While he was talking, he was sketching figures in his notebook.

Imperfect tense for simultaneous actions.

4

Esbozaré mi discurso esta tarde.

I will outline my speech this afternoon.

Future tense.

5

Ella esbozó una sonrisa de complicidad.

She gave a knowing smile.

Nuanced use for facial expressions.

6

Hemos esbozado una estrategia de marketing.

We have outlined a marketing strategy.

Present perfect tense.

7

Si tuviera tiempo, esbozaría un cómic.

If I had time, I would sketch a comic.

Conditional mood.

8

Me pidió que esbozara el proyecto.

He asked me to outline the project.

Imperfect subjunctive after a verb of request.

1

El autor esboza los temas centrales en el prefacio.

The author outlines the central themes in the preface.

Present tense, academic/literary context.

2

Se esbozaron las líneas generales del acuerdo.

The general lines of the agreement were outlined.

Passive 'se' construction.

3

Esbozar un plan de acción es el primer paso.

Outlining an action plan is the first step.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

4

A pesar de la fatiga, esbozó un gesto amable.

Despite the fatigue, he made a kind gesture.

Use of 'a pesar de' with nuanced expression.

5

El detective esbozó un perfil del sospechoso.

The detective outlined a profile of the suspect.

Professional investigative context.

6

Espero que hayáis esbozado ya vuestras propuestas.

I hope you have already outlined your proposals.

Present perfect subjunctive.

7

El pintor suele esbozar al aire libre.

The painter usually sketches outdoors.

Verb 'soler' + infinitive.

8

Al esbozar el problema, descubrimos nuevos datos.

Upon outlining the problem, we discovered new data.

Temporal 'al' + infinitive.

1

La novela esboza una crítica feroz a la sociedad.

The novel outlines a fierce critique of society.

Metaphorical use in literary analysis.

2

Apenas pudo esbozar una defensa ante tales cargos.

He could barely outline a defense against such charges.

Use of 'apenas' for limitation.

3

El informe esboza las directrices para la reforma.

The report outlines the guidelines for the reform.

Formal administrative language.

4

Esbozó un futuro lleno de incertidumbres.

He outlined a future full of uncertainties.

Abstract usage for future projection.

5

Sus palabras esbozaban un sentimiento de nostalgia.

His words hinted at a feeling of nostalgia.

Imperfect tense for descriptive nuance.

6

El científico esbozó una hipótesis revolucionaria.

The scientist outlined a revolutionary hypothesis.

High-level professional context.

7

No basta con esbozar el proyecto, hay que ejecutarlo.

It is not enough to outline the project; it must be executed.

Contrastive construction.

8

La luz del alba permitía esbozar las montañas.

The dawn light allowed the mountains to be outlined.

Poetic/descriptive use with nature.

1

El ensayo esboza magistralmente la evolución del pensamiento.

The essay masterfully outlines the evolution of thought.

Use of adverb 'magistralmente' for emphasis.

2

Esbozar la complejidad de la mente humana es una tarea titánica.

Outlining the complexity of the human mind is a titanic task.

Abstract and philosophical subject.

3

El diplomático esbozó una solución salomónica.

The diplomat outlined a Solomonic (wise/fair) solution.

Cultural reference 'salomónica'.

4

En su mirada se esbozaba una sombra de duda.

A shadow of doubt was outlined in his gaze.

Passive 'se' with abstract subject.

5

La obra esboza la fragilidad de la condición humana.

The work outlines the fragility of the human condition.

Deep literary/artistic analysis.

6

Pese a la brevedad, logró esbozar la esencia del conflicto.

Despite the brevity, he managed to outline the essence of the conflict.

Advanced use of 'pese a' and 'lograr'.

7

El arquitecto esbozó una utopía urbana.

The architect sketched a functional urban utopia.

Conceptual and visionary context.

8

Sus trazos esbozaban un universo onírico.

His strokes outlined a dreamlike universe.

Use of 'onírico' (dream-related).

자주 쓰는 조합

esbozar una sonrisa
esbozar un plan
esbozar un proyecto
esbozar una idea
esbozar un dibujo
esbozar una teoría
esbozar un gesto
esbozar las líneas
esbozar un perfil
esbozar una solución

자주 쓰는 구문

esbozar a grandes rasgos

— To outline in broad strokes, focusing only on the most important parts.

El director esbozó a grandes rasgos la nueva política.

esbozar sobre el papel

— To put an idea down on paper for the first time.

Es bueno esbozar sobre el papel antes de actuar.

esbozar el futuro

— To imagine or plan what will happen in the coming times.

Estamos intentando esbozar el futuro de la tecnología.

esbozar un retrato

— To make a quick drawing of a person's face.

El artista esbozó un retrato de la modelo.

esbozar una disculpa

— To start making an apology, perhaps hesitantly.

Esbozó una disculpa, pero no fue suficiente.

esbozar una mueca

— To make a slight facial expression, often of pain or disgust.

Esbozó una mueca al probar la comida amarga.

esbozar una respuesta

— To begin to formulate or give a preliminary answer.

El político esbozó una respuesta evasiva.

esbozar un esquema

— To create a basic diagram or logical structure.

Esbozó un esquema del funcionamiento del motor.

esbozar una mirada

— To give a quick, perhaps meaningful look.

Esbozó una mirada de advertencia a su amigo.

esbozar el camino

— To show the basic direction or path to follow.

Sus investigaciones esbozaron el camino para la cura.

자주 혼동되는 단어

esbozar vs dibujar

Dibujar is general drawing; esbozar is preliminary sketching.

esbozar vs borrar

They sound vaguely similar but mean the opposite (sketch vs. erase).

esbozar vs bosquejar

Very similar, but bosquejar is often more technical/structural.

관용어 및 표현

"esbozar una sonrisa de oreja a oreja"

— Though 'esbozar' usually means faint, this is a playful exaggeration meaning to start smiling very widely.

Al verlo, ella esbozó una sonrisa de oreja a oreja.

Informal
"ni siquiera esbozar"

— To not even hint at or start doing something.

No pudo ni siquiera esbozar una razón para su ausencia.

Neutral
"esbozar el aire"

— To make gestures in the air while explaining something (metaphorical).

Movía las manos como si quisiera esbozar el aire.

Literary
"esbozar un adiós"

— To make a small gesture of farewell.

Desde el tren, esbozó un adiós con la mano.

Neutral
"esbozar lo imposible"

— To try to plan or imagine something that cannot be done.

Deja de intentar esbozar lo imposible y céntrate en la realidad.

Neutral
"esbozar en la mente"

— To visualize something before doing it.

Antes de hablar, debes esbozar en la mente lo que dirás.

Neutral
"esbozar esperanzas"

— To begin to feel hopeful about something.

Las noticias permitieron esbozar esperanzas de paz.

Literary
"esbozar un sueño"

— To start giving form to a long-held desire.

Por fin estamos empezando a esbozar nuestro sueño de viajar.

Neutral
"esbozar la verdad"

— To hint at the truth without telling the whole story.

Sus palabras solo servían para esbozar la verdad a medias.

Neutral
"esbozar un cambio"

— To start showing signs of transformation.

La ciudad empieza a esbozar un cambio hacia la modernidad.

Neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

esbozar vs dibujar

Both involve making pictures.

Dibujar is the complete act; esbozar is just the rough start.

Dibujo un cuadro, pero primero lo esbozo.

esbozar vs borrar

Phonetic similarity for learners.

Borrar is to delete; esbozar is to create a draft.

No borres lo que acabas de esbozar.

esbozar vs planear

Both involve thinking about the future.

Planear is the mental act; esbozar is putting the plan into a visible form.

Planeo mi viaje y esbozo el itinerario.

esbozar vs pintar

Both are art-related.

Pintar involves color and brushes; esbozar is usually lines and pencils.

Después de esbozar el retrato, empiezo a pintar.

esbozar vs escribir

Both involve putting things on paper.

Escribir uses words; esbozar uses lines or conceptual structures.

Esbozo el esquema y luego escribo el libro.

문장 패턴

A1

Sujeto + esbozar + sustantivo simple.

Yo esbozo un perro.

A2

Ir a + esbozar + sustantivo.

Voy a esbozar mi plan.

B1

Sujeto + estar + esbozando + sustantivo.

Estamos esbozando la solución.

B2

Se + esboza + sustantivo (pasiva).

Se esboza una mejora.

C1

Al + esbozar + sustantivo, + [consecuencia].

Al esbozar el problema, vimos la luz.

C2

Sujeto + lograr + esbozar + sustantivo + adjetivo complejo.

Logró esbozar una propuesta multidimensional.

General

Esbozar + una sonrisa.

Ella esbozó una sonrisa.

General

Esbozar + a grandes rasgos.

Esbozó la idea a grandes rasgos.

어휘 가족

명사

esbozo (sketch/draft)
esbozador (sketcher/one who outlines)

동사

esbozar (to sketch)

형용사

esbozado (sketched/outlined)
esbozable (sketchable)

관련

boceto
bosquejo
esquema
trazo
diseño

사용법

frequency

Common in professional and literary Spanish; less common in casual street slang.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'esbozar' for signing a document. firmar

    Esbozar implies a rough drawing or outline; firmar is the specific action for a signature.

  • Saying 'esbozar' when you mean 'borrar' (erase). borrar

    Learners often mix these up because of the 'b' and 'r' sounds. Esbozar = Create, Borrar = Delete.

  • Using 'esbozar' for a fully detailed painting. pintar / detallar

    Esbozar is only for the preliminary stage. If it's finished, it's not an esbozo.

  • Pronouncing the 'z' like an English 'z'. Pronounce like 's' or 'th'.

    There is no vibrating 'z' sound in Spanish. It will make the word hard to understand.

  • Using it as a reflexive verb 'me esbozo'. esbozo un autorretrato

    You sketch something (an object), you don't typically sketch yourself as a reflexive action.

Start with Art

To remember the word, associate it with an artist's first pencil lines. This literal meaning is the foundation for all its other uses.

The 'Draft' Alternative

In a professional setting, use 'esbozar' when you want to present a draft. It sounds more creative and proactive than 'borrador'.

Smile Nuance

When reading, if you see 'esbozó una sonrisa', imagine a very subtle, almost hidden smile. It's a key detail for character mood.

Spelling Alert

Remember the 'c' in 'yo esbocé'. In Spanish, 'z' changes to 'c' before 'e' or 'i' to keep the same 's/th' sound.

Family Ties

Learn 'esbozo' (the noun) alongside 'esbozar'. Knowing the noun for 'sketch' makes the verb much easier to remember.

Broad Strokes

Use the phrase 'a grandes rasgos' with 'esbozar' to say you are outlining something in general terms.

Architectural Thinking

Think of 'esbozar' as the blueprint phase. It's about the bones of the project, not the paint on the walls.

Avoid Overuse

While it's a great word, don't use it for every drawing. Use 'dibujar' for the act and 'esbozar' for the specific 'sketching' phase.

News Keywords

When listening to Spanish news, 'esbozar' is often a signal that a summary of a new law or plan is coming next.

Cognate-ish

It sounds a bit like 'sketch' if you think of the 's' and the general shape of the word. Use that mental bridge.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'S-B-O-Z-A-R'. 'S' for Sketch, 'B' for Basic, 'O' for Outline. It's the 'S'ketching of 'B'asic 'O'utlines.

시각적 연상

Visualize a pencil lightly touching a blank white page, drawing just the faint circle of a face. That is 'esbozar'.

Word Web

Art Plan Smile Draft Begin Rough Pencil Idea

챌린지

Try to 'esbozar' your schedule for tomorrow in Spanish using only three sentences. Use the verb 'esbozar' at least once.

어원

Derived from the Spanish noun 'esbozo', which itself comes from the Italian 'sbozzo'.

원래 의미: The Italian 'sbozzo' refers to a rough-hewn stone or the first rough work of a sculpture.

Romance (Latin root 'bozo' related to rough wood or material).

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, professional, and artistic term.

Similar to 'sketching out' an idea or 'drafting' a proposal.

Goya's sketches in the Prado Museum. The use of the word in Gabriel García Márquez's descriptions of character emotions. Architectural 'esbozos' of Antoni Gaudí for the Sagrada Família.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Art Class

  • Esboza el modelo.
  • Usa el lápiz para esbozar.
  • No detalles todavía, solo esboza.
  • Un esbozo rápido.

Business Meeting

  • Esbozar la estrategia.
  • Esbozar los objetivos.
  • Esbozar el presupuesto.
  • Esbozar el cronograma.

Literature

  • Esbozar una sonrisa.
  • Esbozar un gesto de dolor.
  • Esbozar un personaje.
  • Esbozar el ambiente.

Architecture

  • Esbozar los planos.
  • Esbozar la estructura.
  • Esbozar la fachada.
  • Esbozar el espacio.

Everyday Planning

  • Esbozar las vacaciones.
  • Esbozar el menú.
  • Esbozar la fiesta.
  • Esbozar el día.

대화 시작하기

"¿Podrías esbozar tu idea para el nuevo logotipo?"

"¿Qué sueles esbozar cuando estás aburrido en clase?"

"¿Cómo prefieres esbozar tus planes de viaje?"

"¿Es difícil esbozar una sonrisa cuando estás triste?"

"¿Prefieres esbozar en papel o en una tableta digital?"

일기 주제

Esboza cómo sería tu casa ideal en el futuro.

Describe un momento en el que alguien esbozó una sonrisa que te hizo sentir bien.

Esboza un plan para aprender español en los próximos seis meses.

¿Qué temas te gustaría esbozar en una novela si fueras escritor?

Esboza las tres metas más importantes de tu vida ahora mismo.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, it is very common to use it for plans, ideas, and even facial expressions like smiles. For example, 'esbozar un plan' is a very professional way to say you are starting to outline a strategy.

They are nearly synonyms. However, 'bosquejar' is often used for more technical or physical structures, while 'esbozar' is common for abstract ideas and smiles. You can usually use either.

Yes, but it sounds a bit more 'educated' than using 'dibujar' or 'hacer un plan'. It's perfect for work or school settings.

It is regular: yo esbocé, tú esbozaste, él/ella esbozó, nosotros esbozamos, ellos esbozaron. Note the 'c' in 'esbocé' to keep the sound correct.

Yes, it is extremely common in literature and slightly formal speech. It describes a faint or incipient smile.

It's better to say 'hacer un borrador de una carta' or 'esbozar el contenido de una carta'. 'Esbozar' usually refers to the structure, not the full text.

It is spelled with an 's' then a 'b' and then a 'z': e-s-b-o-z-a-r.

Rarely. You might say 'se esboza una figura' (a figure appears), but you don't usually say 'me esbozo'.

Yes! 'Boceto' is the noun for 'sketch', and 'esbozar' is the verb. They are part of the same word family.

Yes, a composer might 'esbozar una melodía' (sketch a melody) before fully arranging the song.

셀프 테스트 192 질문

writing

Write a sentence about an architect using 'esbozar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a person's reaction using 'esbozar una sonrisa'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain a business plan using 'esbozar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in the future tense with 'esbozar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'esbozar' to describe a teacher's action.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the gerund 'esbozando'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in the preterite 'yo' form.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a character in a book using 'esbozar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'esbozar' to talk about a scientific theory.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a detective.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a landscape sketch.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'esbozar' in a question.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'esbozar a grandes rasgos'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a child drawing.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'esbozar' with a feeling of doubt.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write about a travel itinerary.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'esbozar' with a colleague.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a memory.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the conditional 'esbozaría'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a future project.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Voy a esbozar mi idea.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Ella esbozó una sonrisa.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Estamos esbozando el plan.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain in Spanish what you want to 'esbozar' today.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'El arquitecto esbozó el diseño.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Me gusta esbozar en el parque.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: '¿Puedes esbozar tu propuesta?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Esbozaré el informe mañana.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'No borres lo que esbozó.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Se esboza una solución.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Esbozó un gesto de alegría.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Esbozamos el itinerario ayer.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Quiero esbozar mi futuro.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'El autor esboza los temas.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Esboza un gato para mí.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Esbozar es muy relajante.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Esbozó una mirada rápida.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Esbozamos a grandes rasgos.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Ella esboza muy bien.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: '¿Qué estás esbozando?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the word: 'Esbozar'. What is the last letter?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Ella esbozó una sonrisa'. What did she do?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Voy a esbozar el plan'. When will the plan be outlined?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'El artista está esbozando'. What is the tense?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Esbozamos la idea'. Who did the action?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: '¿Esbozaste el dibujo?'. Is this a question or a statement?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Esbozaré mis metas'. What is the person going to do?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Se esboza un plan'. Is the person doing the action directly?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Esbozó un gesto'. What is the last sound of the verb?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Esbozar es fácil'. What is easy?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'He esbozado el proyecto'. What tense is this?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Esbozaban figuras'. Were they doing it once or repeatedly?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'No pude esbozar nada'. Did the person succeed?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Esboza tú ahora'. Who should sketch?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Esbozaremos el futuro'. Is this about the past or future?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 192 correct

Perfect score!

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