admirar in 30 Seconds
- To admire: to look with respect or wonder.
- Expresses deep appreciation for qualities or achievements.
- Used for people, art, nature, skills, and character.
- Conjugates as a regular -ar verb.
The Spanish verb admirar translates directly to 'to admire' in English. It's used to express a feeling of deep respect, approval, or wonder towards someone or something. When you admire something, you're not just passively observing it; you're looking at it with appreciation for its qualities, achievements, or beauty. This can apply to a wide range of subjects, from the natural world and works of art to people's character, skills, or accomplishments.
You might use admirar when you see a breathtaking sunset and feel a sense of awe. Similarly, if you witness someone performing an incredibly difficult task with grace and skill, you would admire their ability. It signifies a positive emotional response, often accompanied by a desire to emulate or learn from the object of admiration. This verb is quite common in everyday Spanish, used in both casual conversations and more formal settings, reflecting a universal human sentiment of appreciation and respect.
Consider the context of art and culture. A visitor to a museum might admirar the intricate details of a painting, marveling at the artist's talent. In a professional setting, a junior employee might admirar the leadership qualities of their manager, learning from their strategic decisions and interpersonal skills. The act of admiring often involves recognizing excellence and acknowledging the value of what is being observed. It’s a way of showing that something has made a positive impact on you, evoking feelings of pleasure, inspiration, or even a touch of envy in the best sense of the word.
The scope of 'admirar' is broad. You can admirar the courage of a friend who faced a difficult challenge, the dedication of an athlete who trained for years, or the resilience of a community that rebuilt after a disaster. It's a versatile verb that captures a genuine appreciation for the admirable. This appreciation can stem from the object's inherent beauty, its functional excellence, its moral fortitude, or its creative ingenuity. The Spanish language, like many others, has a rich vocabulary to express nuanced emotions, and 'admirar' stands out for its ability to convey this specific blend of respect and wonder.
In essence, admirar is about looking up to something or someone, recognizing their positive attributes, and feeling a sense of positive regard. It's a fundamental human experience that connects us to the world around us and the people within it, fostering a sense of inspiration and shared appreciation for what is considered good, beautiful, or impressive.
- Common Contexts
- Art and culture, nature, personal achievements, leadership, bravery, skill, beauty.
- Emotional Tone
- Respect, wonder, appreciation, awe, inspiration.
- Grammatical Notes
- Regular -ar verb, conjugated like 'hablar'. Takes a direct object.
Yo admiro la paciencia de mi abuela con los niños.
Todos admiran su habilidad para pintar.
El paisaje era tan hermoso que no podía dejar de admirarlo.
Using admirar correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the contexts in which it fits naturally. As a regular '-ar' verb, its conjugation follows the standard pattern, making it relatively straightforward to learn. The key is to pair it with subjects and objects that evoke feelings of respect, wonder, or deep appreciation.
Typically, admirar takes a direct object, meaning you admire *something* or *someone*. For example, 'Yo admiro tu valentía' (I admire your bravery). The object of admiration can be concrete, like a piece of art ('Admiro esta escultura'), or abstract, like a quality or achievement ('Admiro su dedicación al trabajo'). The verb is often used with personal pronouns when referring to people, such as 'Me admiras' (You admire me) or 'Te admiro' (I admire you).
The tense and mood you use will depend on the situation. In the present tense, it expresses ongoing admiration: 'Siempre admiro su forma de pensar' (I always admire their way of thinking). In the past, it describes a specific instance of admiration: 'Ayer admiré la puesta de sol' (Yesterday I admired the sunset). The subjunctive mood is used when admiration is expressed as a desire, possibility, or in dependent clauses, often after expressions of emotion or doubt, though 'admirar' itself usually implies a certainty of positive regard, making the indicative more common.
You can also use the infinitive form of admirar, often after prepositions or modal verbs. For instance, 'Vengo a admirar la arquitectura' (I come to admire the architecture) or 'Podemos admirar el esfuerzo que han puesto' (We can admire the effort they have put in). The reflexive form, 'admirarse', means 'to be amazed' or 'to be surprised,' which is a related but distinct meaning, often implying a stronger sense of shock or disbelief rather than pure admiration.
When constructing sentences, consider the nuances. If you want to express a strong sense of awe, you might use adverbs like 'mucho' or 'profundamente' with admirar: 'Admiro profundamente su resiliencia' (I deeply admire their resilience). Conversely, a simple statement like 'Admiro tu honestidad' (I admire your honesty) conveys a direct and sincere appreciation. The verb is versatile enough to be used in both simple declarative sentences and more complex constructions, allowing for a wide range of expression.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Ensure the verb form matches the subject (yo admiro, tú admiras, él/ella/usted admira, etc.).
- Direct Object
- The verb typically requires a direct object: 'admirar algo' or 'admirar a alguien'.
- Infinitive Usage
- Can be used after prepositions (e.g., 'venir a admirar') or modal verbs (e.g., 'poder admirar').
Nosotros admiramos la arquitectura antigua de la ciudad.
Ella admira mucho a su mentor por su sabiduría.
¿Tú admiras las obras de Picasso?
You'll encounter admirar in a multitude of everyday Spanish conversations, often reflecting genuine appreciation. Imagine walking through a bustling market in Spain; someone might point to a beautifully crafted leather bag and say, '¡Mira qué bolso! Yo lo admiro mucho' (Look at that bag! I really admire it). This highlights how the word is used for appreciating craftsmanship and beauty in everyday objects.
In educational settings, teachers might use it to encourage students: 'Es importante que admires el esfuerzo de tus compañeros' (It's important that you admire your classmates' effort). This usage emphasizes the value of recognizing and respecting the hard work of others, fostering a positive learning environment. Students, in turn, might express admiration for a teacher's engaging lecture: 'Admiro cómo explica los temas difíciles de forma tan clara' (I admire how you explain difficult topics so clearly).
Travel and tourism are fertile grounds for hearing admirar. When visiting historical sites or natural wonders, it's common to hear phrases like 'Admiro la majestuosidad de estas montañas' (I admire the majesty of these mountains) or 'Es un lugar que uno debe admirar' (It's a place one must admire). This reflects the sense of awe and wonder that such places inspire.
In discussions about art, music, or literature, admirar is frequently used. A critic might write, 'El público admira la originalidad del director' (The public admires the director's originality), or a friend might say, 'Admiro la forma en que este artista usa el color' (I admire the way this artist uses color). It's a key verb for expressing aesthetic appreciation.
Even in informal settings, like discussing sports or hobbies, the word appears. 'Admiro la técnica de ese jugador de fútbol' (I admire that soccer player's technique) or 'Admiro la dedicación de los que practican este deporte' (I admire the dedication of those who practice this sport). It's a versatile expression of positive regard for skill, dedication, and excellence across various domains of life.
You'll also hear it in contexts of personal admiration for character traits. 'Admiro tu honestidad' (I admire your honesty) or 'Admiro la fuerza con la que has enfrentado tus problemas' (I admire the strength with which you have faced your problems). It's a fundamental way to express respect for someone's inner qualities and resilience.
- Conversational Examples
- '¡Qué bonita casa! La admiro mucho.'
- 'Admiro tu paciencia para enseñar a los niños.'
- 'No puedo dejar de admirar las estrellas esta noche.'
- 'Admiro tu paciencia para enseñar a los niños.'
- Media and Literature
- Often used in reviews, biographies, and descriptive passages to express appreciation for creative works or significant figures.
En la galería, la gente se detenía a admirar las pinturas.
Mi profesor de historia es alguien a quien siempre he admirado.
Admiro la forma en que resuelves los problemas con calma.
One common pitfall for English speakers learning Spanish is confusing the direct meaning of admirar with the reflexive form 'admirarse'. While 'admirar' means 'to admire', 'admirarse' means 'to be amazed' or 'to be surprised.' For instance, saying 'Me admiro de tu éxito' (I admire myself for your success) is incorrect; you mean 'Me admiro de tu éxito' (I am amazed by your success) or, more commonly, 'Admiro tu éxito' (I admire your success). The reflexive form implies a reaction to something unexpected, while the non-reflexive form expresses respect or wonder.
Another mistake relates to the object of admiration. Since admirar is a transitive verb, it needs a direct object. Learners might sometimes omit it, leading to incomplete sentences. For example, saying 'Yo admiro' without specifying what or whom you admire sounds unnatural. You must always follow 'admirar' with the noun or pronoun representing what is being admired, such as 'Admiro el paisaje' or 'Admiro a María'.
Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'd' sound in Spanish is softer than in English, often resembling a 'th' sound when between vowels. So, 'admirar' should be pronounced with a softer 'd'. Incorrect pronunciation might make the word sound less natural. Practicing the Spanish 'd' sound is crucial for clear communication.
A subtle error can occur with the use of prepositions. While admirar usually takes a direct object, in some specific constructions or when emphasizing the recipient of admiration, the personal 'a' is used before a person. Forgetting this 'a' when referring to people can be a mistake, especially in more formal contexts. For example, 'Admiro a mi profesor' is correct, while 'Admiro mi profesor' is not. This is a common rule for direct objects that are people.
Finally, learners might incorrectly use admirar in situations where a weaker verb like 'gustar' (to like) or 'apreciar' (to appreciate) would be more appropriate. 'Admirar' implies a deeper level of respect and wonder. If you simply like something, using 'admirar' might sound too strong. For instance, if you just like a song, you'd say 'Me gusta la canción,' not 'Admiro la canción,' unless you genuinely find something exceptional about it.
- Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive
- 'Admirar' (to admire) vs. 'Admirarse' (to be amazed/surprised). Ensure you use the correct form based on the intended meaning.
- Direct Object Requirement
- Remember that 'admirar' is transitive and needs a direct object. Avoid omitting it.
- The Personal 'a'
- When the direct object is a person, use the preposition 'a' before them (e.g., 'Admiro a mi madre').
- Intensity of Feeling
- Ensure 'admirar' is used for genuine admiration, not just simple liking.
Incorrecto: Me admiro de su presentación. Correcto: Admiro su presentación. O: Me admiro de su presentación (meaning I am amazed).
Incorrecto: Ella admira. Correcto: Ella admira la obra de arte.
While admirar is the primary verb for expressing admiration, several other Spanish words convey related sentiments, each with its own nuances. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the most precise word for a given situation.
Apreciar is a versatile verb that can mean 'to appreciate,' 'to value,' or 'to regard highly.' It's often used when you acknowledge the worth or importance of something or someone. For example, 'Aprecio tu ayuda' (I appreciate your help) is more about gratitude and recognition of usefulness than deep wonder. 'Aprecio su trabajo' (I appreciate their work) acknowledges its value and effort, but might not carry the same weight of awe as 'Admiro su trabajo' (I admire their work), which suggests exceptional skill or impact.
Respetar means 'to respect.' While admiration often includes respect, respect can exist independently. You can respect someone's position or principles without necessarily admiring their actions or character. For instance, 'Respeto las decisiones de mi jefe' (I respect my boss's decisions) is about acknowledging their authority, whereas 'Admiro las decisiones de mi jefe' would imply a belief that their decisions are particularly wise or effective.
Ver con buenos ojos is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to look upon favorably' or 'to approve of.' It's a milder form of positive regard. 'Veo con buenos ojos tu plan' (I look favorably upon your plan) means you approve of it, but it doesn't convey the depth of feeling associated with admiration.
Encomiar means 'to praise' or 'to commend.' This is more about expressing approval or commendation directly, often publicly. You might encomiar someone's achievements, but you would admirar their character or talent. For example, 'El presidente encomió al equipo por su victoria' (The president praised the team for their victory), but one might admirar the team's dedication leading up to that victory.
Maravillarse (reflexive) means 'to marvel' or 'to be amazed.' This is closer to the 'admirarse' meaning mentioned earlier. You might 'maravillarse' at a spectacular view, which is a strong form of surprise and wonder, often a precursor to admiration. 'Me maravillo ante la belleza de la naturaleza' (I marvel at the beauty of nature) is a strong expression of awe.
In summary, admirar stands out for its combination of respect and wonder. 'Apreciar' focuses on value, 'respetar' on deference, 'encomiar' on praise, and 'maravillarse' on astonishment.
- Admirar vs. Apreciar
- Admirar implies deep respect and wonder, often for exceptional qualities. Apreciar means to value, recognize worth, or be grateful for something/someone. 'Admiro su arte' (I admire his art) suggests exceptional talent. 'Aprecio su arte' (I appreciate his art) acknowledges its worth or beauty.
- Admirar vs. Respetar
- Admirar involves a strong positive regard and wonder. Respetar means to show deference or acknowledge someone's rights/status. You can respect a person's authority without admiring their specific actions.
- Admirar vs. Maravillarse
- Admirar is about admiration and respect. Maravillarse (reflexive) means to be amazed or marvel, often due to surprise and wonder. One might marvel at something and then admire it.
- Admirar vs. Encomiar
- Admirar is a feeling of internal appreciation. Encomiar is the act of publicly praising or commending. You might admirar someone's effort and then encomiar their result.
Admiro la creatividad de este artista. (Stronger than just appreciating)
Aprecio tu consejo. (I value it, I'm grateful for it)
Respeto sus opiniones, aunque no las comparta. (I acknowledge their right to have them)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root 'mir-' relates to 'wonder' and is found in words like 'mirror' (which reflects images, causing wonder) and 'miracle' (something wondrous). The concept of looking and being struck with wonder is central to its origin.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'd' too hard, like in English 'dark'. In Spanish, it's softer, almost like 'th' between vowels.
- Incorrect vowel sounds, especially the 'i' in 'mir' and the final 'ar'.
- Placing stress on the wrong syllable, such as the first or last.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2. The verb itself is common, but understanding the nuances of admiration and its contexts requires exposure. Recognizing its use in various sentence structures is key for reading comprehension.
CEFR A2. Learners can start using it in simple sentences. Mastering its correct conjugation and object usage is important for accurate writing.
CEFR A2. Pronunciation and correct sentence formation are important. Expressing genuine admiration requires practice.
CEFR A2. The word is common, but distinguishing it from similar-sounding words or related reflexive verbs requires careful listening.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Conjugation of regular -ar verbs
Like 'hablar', 'admirar' follows the pattern: yo hablo/admiro, tú hablas/admiras, él/ella/Ud. habla/admira, etc.
Direct Objects
'Admirar' requires a direct object: 'Admiro la pintura.' (I admire the painting.)
The Personal 'a'
When the direct object is a person, use 'a': 'Admiro a mi madre.'
Infinitive Usage
After prepositions or modal verbs: 'Vengo a admirar la vista.' (I come to admire the view.)
Reflexive Verbs
'Admirarse' means 'to be amazed': 'Me admiro de tu suerte.' (I am amazed by your luck.)
Examples by Level
Yo admiro los pájaros.
I admire the birds.
Simple present tense, first person singular.
Admiro tu dibujo.
I admire your drawing.
Possessive adjective 'tu'.
Ella admira las flores.
She admires the flowers.
Third person singular present tense.
Nos gusta admirar el mar.
We like to admire the sea.
Infinitive used after 'gustar'.
Admiro su casa.
I admire his/her house.
Possessive adjective 'su'.
Tú admiras el sol.
You admire the sun.
Second person singular informal present tense.
Los niños admiran los animales.
The children admire the animals.
Plural subject.
Yo admiro el arte.
I admire art.
Abstract noun as direct object.
Admiro la habilidad de este músico.
I admire this musician's skill.
Possessive noun phrase 'de este músico'.
Ella admira la paciencia de su madre.
She admires her mother's patience.
Possessive noun phrase indicating quality.
Nosotros admiramos el esfuerzo que pones.
We admire the effort you put in.
Relative clause 'que pones'.
Tú admiras la belleza de la naturaleza.
You admire the beauty of nature.
Abstract noun phrase 'la belleza de la naturaleza'.
Él admira la valentía de los bomberos.
He admires the bravery of the firefighters.
Possessive noun phrase 'de los bomberos'.
Los turistas admiran la arquitectura de la ciudad.
The tourists admire the city's architecture.
Plural noun phrase.
Admiro profundamente tu honestidad.
I deeply admire your honesty.
Adverb 'profundamente' intensifies admiration.
Admiramos la dedicación de los atletas.
We admire the athletes' dedication.
Plural possessive noun phrase.
Admiro la forma en que maneja las situaciones difíciles.
I admire the way he/she handles difficult situations.
Subordinate clause 'la forma en que...'
Mi hermana admira mucho a nuestra abuela por su sabiduría.
My sister greatly admires our grandmother for her wisdom.
Use of 'a' before the direct object (person) and adverb 'mucho'.
Los estudiantes admiran la pasión de su profesor por la historia.
The students admire their professor's passion for history.
Possessive noun phrase indicating passion for a subject.
Admiro el coraje de quienes luchan por sus derechos.
I admire the courage of those who fight for their rights.
Relative clause 'quienes luchan...'
Ella admira el talento innato de su hijo para la música.
She admires her son's innate talent for music.
Possessive noun phrase indicating natural talent.
Nosotros admiramos la resiliencia del pueblo ante la adversidad.
We admire the people's resilience in the face of adversity.
Noun phrase indicating a collective quality.
Admiro la visión estratégica de los líderes de esta empresa.
I admire the strategic vision of this company's leaders.
Possessive noun phrase indicating leadership quality.
Admiramos la maestría con la que pinta este artista.
We admire the mastery with which this artist paints.
Subordinate clause 'con la que...'
Admiro la tenacidad con la que ha perseguido sus objetivos a pesar de los obstáculos.
I admire the tenacity with which he/she has pursued their goals despite obstacles.
Complex subordinate clause with relative pronoun and preposition.
Mi abuelo solía decir que admiraba la sencillez de las personas honestas.
My grandfather used to say that he admired the simplicity of honest people.
Past tense ('solía decir') and subjunctive use in reported speech implied.
Los críticos admiran la audacia conceptual de la nueva exposición de arte.
Critics admire the conceptual audacity of the new art exhibition.
Abstract nouns and formal vocabulary.
Admiro la capacidad de adaptación de las especies en entornos hostiles.
I admire the adaptability of species in hostile environments.
Scientific/biological context.
Ella admira la generosidad de quienes donan su tiempo y recursos.
She admires the generosity of those who donate their time and resources.
Gerund 'donan' indicating continuous action.
Admiramos la profundidad del pensamiento filosófico que se refleja en sus escritos.
We admire the depth of philosophical thought reflected in their writings.
Abstract concepts and complex sentence structure.
El público admira la autenticidad del artista y su conexión con la audiencia.
The public admires the artist's authenticity and their connection with the audience.
Parallel structure with nouns 'autenticidad' and 'conexión'.
Admiramos la forma en que la naturaleza regenera los ecosistemas dañados.
We admire the way nature regenerates damaged ecosystems.
Subordinate clause indicating a process.
Admiro la perspicacia con la que el detective desentrañó el misterio.
I admire the perceptiveness with which the detective unraveled the mystery.
Formal vocabulary ('perspicacia', 'desentrañó').
La crítica admira la audacia y la originalidad que el director imprime a sus obras.
The critic admires the boldness and originality that the director imbues in their works.
Use of 'imprime' (imparts/imbues) and abstract nouns.
Admiro la capacidad del ser humano para innovar y adaptarse a circunstancias cambiantes.
I admire the human capacity for innovation and adaptation to changing circumstances.
Abstract concepts and formal phrasing.
Ella admira la integridad y la rectitud con que sus colegas abordan los dilemas éticos.
She admires the integrity and uprightness with which her colleagues approach ethical dilemmas.
Formal vocabulary ('integridad', 'rectitud', 'dilemas éticos').
Admiramos la visión a largo plazo y la ejecución impecable de los proyectos de esta organización.
We admire the long-term vision and impeccable execution of this organization's projects.
Formal adjectives ('impecable') and compound noun phrases.
El público admira la profundidad emocional y la técnica depurada del pianista.
The public admires the emotional depth and refined technique of the pianist.
Abstract nouns and descriptive adjectives.
Admiro la resiliencia intrínseca de los sistemas biológicos ante perturbaciones.
I admire the intrinsic resilience of biological systems to disturbances.
Scientific and formal vocabulary ('intrínseca', 'perturbaciones').
Admiramos la elocuencia con la que defiende sus ideales, incluso en minoría.
We admire the eloquence with which he/she defends their ideals, even when in the minority.
Formal vocabulary ('elocuencia', 'ideales').
Admiro la sagacidad con la que el estadista navegó las complejidades geopolíticas de su época.
I admire the sagacity with which the statesman navigated the geopolitical complexities of his era.
Highly formal and sophisticated vocabulary ('sagacidad', 'estadista', 'complejidades geopolíticas').
La crítica literaria admira la polifonía de voces y la maestría estilística que caracterizan la obra del novelista.
Literary criticism admires the polyphony of voices and the stylistic mastery that characterize the novelist's work.
Specialized literary terms ('polifonía', 'maestría estilística').
Admiro la resiliencia intrínseca y la capacidad de autorregulación de los organismos ante presiones evolutivas.
I admire the intrinsic resilience and self-regulation capacity of organisms under evolutionary pressures.
Advanced scientific terminology ('autorregulación', 'presiones evolutivas').
Ella admira la probidad y la inconmovible rectitud con que el juez administró justicia.
She admires the probity and unwavering uprightness with which the judge administered justice.
Very formal vocabulary ('probidad', 'inconmovible rectitud', 'administró justicia').
Admiramos la previsión estratégica y la ejecución sin fisuras de los planes de desarrollo sostenible de esa nación.
We admire the strategic foresight and seamless execution of that nation's sustainable development plans.
Sophisticated phrasing ('previsión estratégica', 'ejecución sin fisuras', 'desarrollo sostenible').
El público admira la alquimia emocional y la virtuosismo técnico que el director orquesta en sus películas.
The public admires the emotional alchemy and technical virtuosity that the director orchestrates in their films.
Metaphorical language ('alquimia emocional') and advanced artistic terms ('virtuosismo técnico').
Admiro la capacidad intrínseca de los sistemas complejos para alcanzar estados de equilibrio dinámico.
I admire the intrinsic capacity of complex systems to reach states of dynamic equilibrium.
Technical terms from systems theory ('sistemas complejos', 'equilibrio dinámico').
Admiramos la elocuencia persuasiva y la agudeza argumentativa con que el orador defendió posturas controvertidas.
We admire the persuasive eloquence and argumentative acuity with which the orator defended controversial positions.
High-level vocabulary ('elocuencia persuasiva', 'agudeza argumentativa', 'posturas controvertidas').
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I admire your... (used to express admiration for a quality or possession).
Admiro tu valentía y admiro tu paciencia.
— I admire... (used when the direct object is a person).
Admiro a mi profesor porque enseña muy bien.
— It amazes me... (using the reflexive form 'admirarse'). Note the difference in meaning.
Me admira cómo puedes hacer eso.
— We admire a lot... (intensifying the admiration).
Admiramos mucho la naturaleza y su poder.
— I can't stop admiring... (emphasizing the continuous nature of the admiration).
No puedo dejar de admirar la puesta de sol.
— To admire from afar; to appreciate something or someone without direct interaction or possession.
Admiraba su talento desde lejos, sin atreverme a hablarle.
— To admire someone's work (art, writing, etc.).
Pasé horas en el museo admirando la obra de Picasso.
— To admire the way in which... (focusing on the manner or method).
Admiro la forma en que ella organiza su tiempo.
— To admire for... (specifying the reason for admiration).
Admiro a mi padre por su honestidad.
— To admire the architecture (of a building, city, etc.).
Viajamos a Europa para admirar la arquitectura gótica.
Often Confused With
'Admirarse' is the reflexive form and means 'to be amazed' or 'to be surprised'. For example, 'Me admiro de tu suerte' means 'I am amazed by your luck', whereas 'Admiro tu suerte' means 'I admire your luck'.
'Apreciar' means 'to appreciate' or 'to value'. While related, 'admirar' implies a deeper sense of wonder and respect, often for something extraordinary.
'Respetar' means 'to respect'. Respect is often a component of admiration, but one can respect someone without necessarily admiring them.
Idioms & Expressions
— To look with admiration; a direct expression of the feeling.
Miraba con admiración a los atletas olímpicos.
neutral— To be worthy of admiration; to possess qualities that naturally evoke admiration.
Su sacrificio por los demás es digno de admiración.
neutral— To admire the scenery; a common phrase for appreciating natural beauty.
Nos detuvimos en la cima de la montaña para admirar el paisaje.
neutral— To admire the stars; often used poetically to express wonder at the cosmos.
Por la noche, nos sentamos afuera para admirar las estrellas.
neutral— To admire a work of art; a standard phrase in art appreciation.
En el museo, pasamos mucho tiempo admirando la obra de arte.
neutral— To admire elegance; appreciating gracefulness and style.
Admiro la elegancia con la que baila.
neutral— To admire simplicity; appreciating straightforwardness and lack of pretense.
Admiro la sencillez de su estilo de vida.
neutral— To admire tenacity; appreciating perseverance and determination.
Admiro la tenacidad de los deportistas.
neutral— To admire creativity; appreciating imaginative and original ideas.
Admiro la creatividad de los diseñadores.
neutral— To admire dexterity or skill; appreciating proficiency in a task.
Admiro la destreza del artesano.
neutralEasily Confused
Both verbs share the root 'admir-' and can be used in contexts of surprise or strong emotion.
'Admirar' focuses on showing respect and wonder towards an external subject. 'Admirarse' is reflexive, meaning the subject is amazed or surprised by something, often themselves or a situation they are in. The key is the direction of the feeling: admiration is outward, being amazed can be inward or outward.
Admiro tu talento. (I admire your talent - outward respect). Me admiro de tu talento. (I am amazed by your talent - surprise/wonder directed at oneself or the situation).
Both verbs express positive regard for something or someone.
'Admirar' conveys a stronger emotion of deep respect and wonder, often for exceptional qualities or achievements. 'Apreciar' is more about valuing, recognizing worth, or being grateful. You might 'apreciar' a simple gesture of kindness, but 'admirar' a heroic act.
Admiro la arquitectura de la catedral. (I admire the architecture - awe-inspiring). Aprecio tu ayuda con la mudanza. (I appreciate your help - gratitude for usefulness).
Admiration inherently involves respect.
'Respetar' is about showing deference, acknowledging someone's rights, position, or principles. You can respect someone's authority without admiring their specific actions or personality. Admiration goes beyond mere respect to include esteem and wonder.
Respeto las reglas del juego. (I respect the rules - adherence/acknowledgment). Admiro la habilidad del jugador. (I admire the player's skill - high regard for their ability).
Both verbs involve looking at something.
'Contemplar' means to look at something thoughtfully, to meditate upon it, or to gaze at it. It's a more passive or intellectual form of observation. 'Admirar' is an active emotional response of respect and wonder triggered by what is being looked at.
Me gusta contemplar el amanecer. (I like to contemplate the sunrise - thoughtful observation). Admiro la belleza del amanecer. (I admire the beauty of the sunrise - emotional response).
Both are positive actions related to someone or something.
'Elogiar' means to praise, to commend, to speak positively about someone or something, often publicly. It's an outward expression of approval. 'Admirar' is primarily an internal feeling of respect and wonder, though it can lead to praise.
Admiro su inteligencia. (I admire his intelligence - internal feeling). Elogio su inteligencia en su discurso. (I praise his intelligence in my speech - outward commendation).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + admirar + noun (thing)
Yo admiro las flores.
Admirar + noun (thing)
Admiro el arte.
Admirar + a + person
Admiro a mi profesor.
Admirar + possessive + noun
Admiro tu habilidad.
Admirar + adverb + noun/person
Admiro mucho su valentía.
Admirar + la forma en que + clause
Admiro la forma en que canta.
Admirar + la + abstract noun + de + noun
Admiro la inteligencia de los científicos.
Admirar + la + noun + con la que + clause
Admiro la destreza con la que juega.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
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Confusing 'admirar' with 'admirarse'.
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'Admirar' means to admire. 'Admirarse' means to be amazed or surprised.
For example, 'Admiro tu valentía' (I admire your bravery) is correct. 'Me admiro de tu valentía' means 'I am amazed by your bravery'. Using 'me admiro' when you mean 'I admire' is a common error.
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Forgetting the direct object.
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You must specify what or whom you admire.
Saying 'Yo admiro' is incomplete. You need to add an object: 'Yo admiro el paisaje.' or 'Yo admiro a mi amigo.'
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Forgetting the personal 'a' before people.
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When the direct object is a person, use 'a'.
Incorrect: 'Admiro mi profesor.' Correct: 'Admiro <strong>a</strong> mi profesor.' This is a fundamental rule for direct objects that are people.
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Using 'admirar' for simple liking.
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Use 'admirar' for deep respect and wonder; use 'gustar' for simple liking.
If you simply like a song, say 'Me gusta la canción.' If you find it exceptionally brilliant or moving, you might say 'Admiro esta canción' or 'Admiro la habilidad del compositor.'
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Incorrect pronunciation of the 'd'.
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The Spanish 'd' between vowels is softer, similar to 'th' in 'this'.
Pronouncing the 'd' in 'admirar' too hard, like in English 'dog', can sound unnatural. Practice the softer 'd' sound.
Tips
Master the Conjugation
As a regular -ar verb, 'admirar' follows a predictable pattern. Practice conjugating it in different tenses (present, past, future) to build confidence. Remember: yo admiro, tú admiras, él/ella admira, nosotros admiramos, vosotros admiráis, ellos/ellas admiran.
Distinguish from 'Admirarse'
Crucially, remember that 'admirar' means 'to admire' (outward focus), while 'admirarse' means 'to be amazed/surprised' (often inward focus). A common mistake is using 'me admiro' when you mean 'I admire something'.
Expand Your Appreciation Vocabulary
While 'admirar' is strong, also learn related words like 'apreciar' (to appreciate), 'respetar' (to respect), and 'elogiar' (to praise) to express nuances of positive regard.
Find Native Contexts
Listen to Spanish music, watch movies, and read books. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'admirar' to express their feelings about art, nature, people, and achievements. This will help you grasp its natural usage.
Practice the Spanish 'd'
The 'd' in 'admirar' is softer than in English, especially when between vowels. Practice saying it with a light touch of the tongue to the roof of the mouth, similar to the 'th' in 'this'.
Write Sentences Daily
Make a habit of writing at least one sentence using 'admirar' each day. Try to vary the object of admiration – a person, a place, a skill, an idea.
Understand Cultural Nuances
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, openly expressing admiration for others' talents and efforts is encouraged. It fosters positive relationships and acknowledges excellence.
Use Mnemonics
Connect 'admirar' to the English word 'mirror'. Imagine looking in a mirror and admiring your reflection. The 'mir-' sound is a helpful link.
Active Listening
When listening to Spanish, actively try to pick out the word 'admirar'. Ask yourself: What is being admired? Who is doing the admiring? This makes listening a more active learning process.
Express Your Own Admiration
Don't hesitate to use 'admirar' when you genuinely feel it. Complimenting someone's skill or appreciating a beautiful sight is a great way to practice and build rapport.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone looking at a 'mirror' ('mir-') and being filled with 'wonder' ('-ari') at their own reflection. They 'admire' what they see.
Visual Association
Picture someone standing on a mountaintop, gazing at a breathtaking panorama. Their eyes are wide with wonder, and they are clearly admiring the view. The word 'admirar' sounds like 'add mirror,' as if the view is so stunning it adds to the reflective beauty around you.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'admirar' in three sentences today, each time admiring something different: one about nature, one about a person's skill, and one about a piece of art or architecture.
Word Origin
The Spanish word 'admirar' comes from the Latin verb 'admirari', which itself is derived from 'ad' (to, towards) and 'mirari' (to wonder at, to look at with surprise).
Original meaning: To wonder at, to look at with surprise or astonishment.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > SpanishCultural Context
Using 'admirar' is generally positive and carries no negative connotations. It's a respectful way to express positive feelings towards someone or something.
In English-speaking cultures, 'admiration' is also a key concept, often expressed through words like 'impressive,' 'amazing,' 'wonderful,' and 'respectable.' The Spanish 'admirar' captures a similar sentiment, emphasizing the act of looking with appreciation and wonder.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Appreciating art and culture
- Admiro la técnica del pintor.
- Me fascina la arquitectura de esta iglesia.
- Admiro la belleza de esta escultura.
Praising personal qualities
- Admiro tu honestidad.
- Admiro tu valentía.
- Admiro tu paciencia.
Observing nature
- Admiro la majestuosidad de las montañas.
- Admiro la belleza de las flores.
- Admiro el poder del océano.
Acknowledging skills and achievements
- Admiro tu habilidad para cocinar.
- Admiro el éxito de tu proyecto.
- Admiro la dedicación de los atletas.
Expressing wonder
- Me admira cómo lo lograste.
- Admiro el ingenio detrás de esta invención.
- Admiro la complejidad del universo.
Conversation Starters
"¿Qué es algo que admiras mucho de tu país?"
"¿Hay alguna persona famosa que admires y por qué?"
"¿Qué aspecto de la naturaleza admiras más?"
"¿Qué cualidad personal admiras en los demás?"
"¿Qué obra de arte o música admiras especialmente?"
Journal Prompts
Escribe sobre alguien que admires y las razones detrás de tu admiración.
Describe un lugar o una escena natural que te haya hecho sentir admiración.
Reflexiona sobre una habilidad o logro que admires en ti mismo/a.
¿Qué te admiras de la gente que te rodea en tu día a día?
Escribe sobre una obra de arte, libro o película que admires profundamente.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe primary difference lies in their grammatical structure and meaning. 'Admirar' is a transitive verb meaning 'to admire' someone or something, expressing respect and wonder. For example, 'Admiro tu valentía.' 'Admirarse' is the reflexive form, meaning 'to be amazed' or 'to be surprised.' For example, 'Me admiro de tu suerte' means 'I am amazed by your luck.' The direction of the emotion is key: admiration is outward, while being amazed can be directed inward or outward.
You should use the personal 'a' when the direct object of 'admirar' is a specific person or a group of people. For instance, 'Admiro a mi profesor' (I admire my teacher) or 'Admiramos a los artistas' (We admire the artists). This rule applies when the person is the direct recipient of the admiration.
Yes, 'admirar' can certainly be used for abstract concepts. You can admire qualities like honesty, courage, intelligence, or dedication. For example, 'Admiro la honestidad de las personas' (I admire people's honesty) or 'Admiro la dedicación que pones en tu trabajo' (I admire the dedication you put into your work).
Common things people admire include: the beauty of nature (la belleza de la naturaleza), the talent of artists or musicians (el talento de los artistas o músicos), the bravery of individuals (la valentía de las personas), the skill in craftsmanship (la habilidad artesanal), the intelligence of thinkers (la inteligencia de los pensadores), and the dedication to a cause or work (la dedicación a una causa o trabajo).
'Admirar' is a versatile verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the situation. For example, 'Admiro tu coche' is informal, while 'Admiro la encomiable labor de su equipo' is formal.
'Admirar' implies a stronger emotion of deep respect and wonder, often for something exceptional or outstanding. 'Apreciar' is more about valuing, recognizing worth, or being grateful for something. You might 'apreciar' a simple kindness, but you would 'admirar' a grand achievement or a breathtaking sight.
The stress is on the second syllable: ad-MIR-ar. The 'd' sound is softer than in English, often sounding like 'th' when between vowels. The vowels are generally clear and distinct. For example, 'ad-MEE-rar'.
While technically possible, it's much more common to use the reflexive form 'admirarse' if you mean 'to be amazed by oneself' (e.g., 'Me admiro de lo que logré'). Directly saying 'Me admiro' to mean 'I admire myself' sounds a bit unusual unless you're referring to a specific quality you possess and are impressed by it, but even then, 'Me sorprende mi propia paciencia' (I'm surprised by my own patience) might be more natural.
Common mistakes include confusing 'admirar' with 'admirarse', forgetting the direct object, forgetting the personal 'a' when referring to people, and using it for simple liking instead of deep respect and wonder.
Yes, the noun form is 'admiración', which means 'admiration'. For example, 'Siento una gran admiración por ella' (I feel great admiration for her).
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Summary
Admirar means to admire, expressing a deep sense of respect and wonder towards someone or something. It's a versatile verb used for people, art, nature, and achievements, conjugated like other regular -ar verbs.
- To admire: to look with respect or wonder.
- Expresses deep appreciation for qualities or achievements.
- Used for people, art, nature, skills, and character.
- Conjugates as a regular -ar verb.
Master the Conjugation
As a regular -ar verb, 'admirar' follows a predictable pattern. Practice conjugating it in different tenses (present, past, future) to build confidence. Remember: yo admiro, tú admiras, él/ella admira, nosotros admiramos, vosotros admiráis, ellos/ellas admiran.
Distinguish from 'Admirarse'
Crucially, remember that 'admirar' means 'to admire' (outward focus), while 'admirarse' means 'to be amazed/surprised' (often inward focus). A common mistake is using 'me admiro' when you mean 'I admire something'.
Expand Your Appreciation Vocabulary
While 'admirar' is strong, also learn related words like 'apreciar' (to appreciate), 'respetar' (to respect), and 'elogiar' (to praise) to express nuances of positive regard.
Find Native Contexts
Listen to Spanish music, watch movies, and read books. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'admirar' to express their feelings about art, nature, people, and achievements. This will help you grasp its natural usage.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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a diferencia de
B1Unlike; in contrast to.
abatido
B1Feeling or showing great sadness or discouragement; dejected.
abatimiento
B2State of being low in spirits; dejection or depression.
abatir
B1To make someone feel dejected or disheartened.
abierto/a de mente
B2Open-minded; willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
aborrecer
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to loathe.
abrazar
A1To put one's arms around someone as a sign of affection.
abrazo
A1An act of holding someone closely in one's arms; a hug.
abrumador
B1Overpowering; very great or intense.
abrumar
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a large amount of something.
