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A2 verb #3,500 most common 8 min read

alabar

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips alabar in 30 Seconds

Explanation alabar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'alabar' is a word you might encounter in very basic religious contexts or simple stories. It means 'to say something good' about someone or something. Beginners should focus on the present tense 'yo alabo' (I praise) and understand that it is a regular verb. You might use it to talk about praising a friend or a family member. It is important to learn it alongside the personal 'a', as in 'Alabo a mi amigo'. Even though it's an A2 word, seeing it early helps you understand how Spanish speakers express admiration. Think of it as a step above 'me gusta' (I like). Instead of just liking something, you are saying it is good or worthy of respect. For an A1 student, 'alabar' is most useful when talking about people you admire in a simple way.

At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'alabar' to describe people's qualities and to discuss simple social or religious situations. You should be able to conjugate it in the present and the simple past (pretérito indefinido). For example, 'El profesor alabó mi trabajo' (The teacher praised my work). You begin to see the difference between 'alabar' and 'gustar'. At this level, you should also understand the reflexive form 'alabarse' (to praise oneself) and why it might be seen as negative. You will likely encounter this word in reading passages about culture, traditions, or famous people. It's a key verb for moving beyond basic descriptions and starting to express evaluations and opinions about others' actions.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'alabar' in a variety of tenses, including the imperfect and the present subjunctive. You should understand the nuance of using 'alabar' in religious versus secular contexts. For instance, 'Espero que alaben mi proyecto' (I hope they praise my project). You will also learn the noun form 'alabanza' (praise/hymn). At this stage, you can use 'alabar' to talk about literature, art, and music, expressing more complex opinions. You should also be able to use the preposition 'por' to explain why someone is being praised: 'Lo alabaron por su honestidad'. This level requires a deeper understanding of the word's emotional weight compared to simpler verbs like 'decir'.

At the B2 level, 'alabar' becomes a tool for more formal communication. You should be able to distinguish it from synonyms like 'elogiar' or 'ensalzar'. You might use it in an essay to discuss how a certain policy was praised by the public or how a character in a book is praised for their virtues. You will understand idiomatic uses and how the word functions in news reports ('Los medios alabaron la respuesta del gobierno'). You should be able to use it in the passive voice ('Fue alabado por todos') and in complex sentence structures. Your understanding of 'alabar' should now include its use in professional feedback and formal critiques of art or performance.

At the C1 level, you explore the stylistic and historical depths of 'alabar'. You recognize its use in classical Spanish literature (like the Golden Age) and understand its theological implications in depth. You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts, such as 'alabar la virtud' or 'alabar el silencio'. You are aware of its less common derivatives and can use it to create sophisticated, nuanced arguments. You might use 'alabar' to contrast different rhetorical styles or to analyze the tone of a speech. At this level, you should also be familiar with related words like 'loable' (praiseworthy) and how they function in high-level academic or literary discourse.

At the C2 level, 'alabar' is a word you can manipulate with total precision and stylistic flair. You understand the subtle differences between 'alabar', 'encomiar', 'vitorear', and 'aplaudir' in any given context. You can use 'alabar' in philosophical discussions about the nature of recognition and glory. You are comfortable with archaic or highly formal uses found in legal or ecclesiastical documents. Your mastery allows you to use the word ironically or metaphorically in complex creative writing. You understand the cultural history of 'alabanzas' in Spanish-speaking music and poetry and can discuss these topics with the nuance of a native speaker or scholar.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

alabar in 30 Seconds

Alabar is a common Spanish verb meaning 'to praise' or 'to glorify'.
It is used in both secular contexts (praising a child) and religious contexts (praising God).
It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in most tenses.
When praising a person, you must use the personal 'a' (e.g., Alabo a mi madre).

The Spanish verb alabar is a fundamental word used to express admiration, approval, or worship. At its core, it translates to 'to praise' in English. While it is a common word, its usage spans from the most casual compliments in a household to the most formal religious ceremonies in a cathedral. Understanding alabar requires recognizing that it isn't just about saying something nice; it’s about elevating the subject of the praise, highlighting their virtues, or acknowledging their greatness.

Everyday Admiration: In daily life, parents might alabar their children for good grades, or a boss might alabar an employee for a project well done. It implies a public or semi-public recognition of merit.

Es importante alabar el esfuerzo de los estudiantes, no solo sus resultados.

(It is important to praise the students' effort, not just their results.)

Religious Context: This is perhaps the most frequent formal use of the word. In Christianity, which is deeply rooted in Spanish culture, alabar a Dios is a central activity. It involves songs (alabanzas), prayers, and rituals dedicated to glorifying the divine.

La congregación se reunió para alabar al Señor con cantos.

Furthermore, the word can be used reflexively as alabarse, which often carries a negative connotation of boasting or bragging. When someone 'se alaba a sí mismo' (praises themselves), they are often seen as arrogant or self-centered. This duality makes the word versatile: it can represent the highest form of humility in worship or the peak of vanity in self-praise.

Artistic and Literary Use: Critics alaban a new movie or a classic book. In literature, it is used to describe the act of honoring a hero's deeds. It suggests a level of intellectual or aesthetic appreciation that goes beyond simple liking.

Los críticos no dejaron de alabar la actuación de la protagonista.

In summary, alabar is a verb of high regard. Whether you are in a church, a classroom, or a theater, using this word signals that you are recognizing something of significant value. It is more than a compliment; it is an act of glorification or deep validation.

Using alabar correctly involves understanding its transitivity and the prepositions that often follow it. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the person or thing being praised. However, when the object is a person, the 'personal a' is mandatory in Spanish.

The Personal 'A': When you praise a person, you must say 'alabar a [persona]'. For example, 'Alabo a mi madre'. If you are praising an abstract concept like 'the truth', the 'a' is not used: 'Alabo la verdad'.

Debemos alabar a los que arriesgan su vida por otros.

The verb follows the regular conjugation patterns for -ar verbs, making it relatively simple for beginners to master in various tenses. In the present tense, it is: yo alabo, tú alabas, él/ella alaba, nosotros alabamos, vosotros alabáis, ellos/ellas alaban.

Common Grammatical Patterns: 1. [Sujeto] + alabar + [Objeto]: 'El público alabó la obra'.
2. [Sujeto] + alabar + a + [Persona]: 'La maestra alaba a sus alumnos'.
3. Alabar + [Objeto] + por + [Razón]: 'Lo alabaron por su valentía'.

El director alabó el trabajo en equipo durante la reunión.

One nuance to watch for is the difference between alabar and elogiar. While often interchangeable, alabar is slightly more emotional or spiritual, whereas elogiar is often more formal and intellectual, common in journalistic or academic contexts.

No es bueno alabarse demasiado frente a los demás.

In summary, focus on the object of your praise. If it's a person, add 'a'. If you have a reason, add 'por'. Keep the conjugation regular and you will sound natural and articulate.

You will encounter alabar in several distinct environments, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. From the echoes of a church to the headlines of a lifestyle magazine, it is a word that signifies positive value.

In Religious Settings: This is arguably where the word is most 'at home'. In any Spanish-speaking country, if you enter a Catholic or Evangelical church, you will hear 'Alabado sea Dios' (Praised be God). The noun 'alabanza' is used for the hymns sung during the service.

¡Alabado sea el Señor!

In Professional and Academic Feedback: When a professor reviews a thesis or a manager conducts a performance review, they use alabar to describe the merits of the work. You might see sentences like 'El jurado alabó la originalidad de la propuesta'.

Todos alabaron su discurso de graduación.

In casual conversation, while words like 'decir cosas buenas' or 'echar flores' (to throw flowers/flatter) are more common, alabar is used when someone wants to be more emphatic. For example, 'Mi abuela siempre alaba mi cocina' (My grandmother always praises my cooking) sounds more sincere and traditional than just saying she likes it.

In Literature and Classical Music: If you read Don Quijote or Spanish poetry from the Golden Age, alabar is everywhere. It is the verb of chivalry and courtly love. Similarly, in classical music titles (like those by Manuel de Falla), you might find references to 'alabanzas'.

El poeta escribió versos para alabar la belleza de su amada.

Whether in the sacred silence of a chapel or the busy noise of a newsroom, alabar remains the go-to verb for expressing profound appreciation. It connects the speaker to a long tradition of honoring excellence and divinity.

Even though alabar is a regular verb, English speakers often trip up on its specific Spanish nuances. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more authentic and precise.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the 'Personal A': In English, we say 'I praise the teacher'. In Spanish, you cannot simply say 'Alabo el profesor'. Because the teacher is a person, you must use the personal 'a'. Correct: 'Alabo al profesor' (a + el = al).

Incorrecto: Alabo mi madre.
Correcto: Alabo a mi madre.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Alabar' with 'Hablar': Due to the similar sound, beginners sometimes confuse 'alabar' (to praise) with 'hablar' (to speak). While you might 'hablar bien' of someone, 'alabar' is a specific action of giving praise. Don't say 'Él alaba español' when you mean 'Él habla español'.

Another frequent error is using alabar when felicitar (to congratulate) is more appropriate. If your friend just passed an exam, you 'lo felicitas' (congratulate him). If you are telling everyone how brilliant he is, you 'lo alabas'. Alabar is about the character or the quality, while felicitar is about the achievement.

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Alabarse': English speakers often translate 'praising oneself' literally. While 'alabarse' exists, it is very strong and usually means 'bragging'. In a job interview, instead of 'me alabo', use 'destaco mis habilidades' (I highlight my skills) to avoid sounding conceited.

No es de buena educación alabarse en público.

Finally, watch out for the preposition 'de'. Unlike 'hablar de' (speak about), you don't usually 'alabar de algo'. You praise the thing directly: 'Alabo su coraje', not 'Alabo de su coraje'. However, you can say 'Alabar a alguien por algo'.

Spanish is rich with synonyms for 'praising'. Choosing the right one depends on the context—whether you're in a church, a business meeting, or a casual hangout with friends. Here is how alabar compares to its peers.

Elogiar: Difference: 'Elogiar' is more formal and often used in writing, journalism, or speeches. It feels more like an 'eulogy' or a formal commendation. 'Alabar' is more versatile and can be more emotional.

El crítico elogió la nueva novela del autor.

Ensalzar: Difference: 'Ensalzar' means to exalt or glorify. It is much stronger than 'alabar'. It implies raising someone to a very high level, almost putting them on a pedestal.

La historia ensalza las virtudes de los héroes antiguos.

Loar: Difference: This is a very literary, almost archaic word. You will see it in poetry or old texts. It is synonymous with 'alabar' but sounds very 'fancy' or old-fashioned today.

Glorificar: Difference: Almost exclusively religious or used for extreme patriotic fervor. It is the act of giving 'gloria'. While you can 'alabar a un niño', you would rarely 'glorificar a un niño' unless he did something legendary.

In summary, use alabar for general praise and religious contexts. Use elogiar for professional/intellectual settings. Use ensalzar for high exaltation. Use felicitar for achievements. Choosing the right synonym shows a deep command of the Spanish language's emotional registers.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

It is fascinating that a word meaning 'to slap' evolved into a word meaning 'to praise'. This is because clapping (striking hands) is the universal sign of admiration.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /æ.læ.ˈbɑːr/

US /ɑ.lɑ.ˈbɑɹ/

The stress is on the last syllable: a-la-BAR.

Rhymes With

cantar bailar amar hablar mirar llegar pasar dar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'b' like a hard English 'b' after a vowel (it should be softer, almost like a 'v' but with lips slightly touching).
Putting the stress on the first or second syllable.
Not rolling the 'r' at the end.
Confusing it with 'hablar' (to speak).
Forgetting to pronounce the 'a' sounds clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its common root.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the personal 'a' for people.

Speaking 2/5

Regular conjugation makes it easy to say.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'hablar' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

hablar gustar decir bueno Dios

Learn Next

elogiar ensalzar felicitar admirar honrar

Advanced

loable encomiable panegírico apología

Grammar to Know

Personal 'a'

Alabo **a** María.

Preposition 'por' for reasons

Te alabo **por** tu ayuda.

Reflexive pronouns

Él **se** alaba.

Contraction 'al'

Alabo **al** (a+el) médico.

Passive voice with 'ser'

La obra **fue alabada**.

Examples by Level

Yo alabo a mi mamá.

I praise my mom.

Uses the personal 'a' because 'mamá' is a person.

Tú alabas el perro.

You praise the dog.

No personal 'a' is required for animals, though sometimes used if the pet is personified.

Nosotros alabamos la comida.

We praise the food.

Present tense, first person plural.

Ellos alaban al niño.

They praise the boy.

Contraction 'al' (a + el).

¿Alabas a tu amigo?

Do you praise your friend?

Question form in the present tense.

Ella alaba la flor.

She praises the flower.

Simple transitive use.

Ustedes alaban el libro.

You all praise the book.

Ustedes form.

Yo siempre alabo a mi padre.

I always praise my father.

Use of the adverb 'siempre'.

El profesor alabó mi dibujo.

The teacher praised my drawing.

Pretérito indefinido (past tense).

No debes alabarte tanto.

You shouldn't praise yourself so much.

Reflexive use 'alabarse'.

Mis abuelos alaban a Dios cada día.

My grandparents praise God every day.

Religious context.

El público alabó la película.

The audience praised the movie.

Collective noun 'público' takes a singular verb.

Te alabo por tu gran trabajo.

I praise you for your great work.

Use of 'por' to indicate the reason.

Ella alababa a sus hijos constantemente.

She used to praise her children constantly.

Imperfect tense for habitual actions.

Todos alabamos su valentía.

We all praise his bravery.

Abstract noun as direct object.

Él nunca alaba a nadie.

He never praises anyone.

Double negative 'nunca... nadie'.

Espero que el jefe alabe mi esfuerzo.

I hope the boss praises my effort.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

Si me alabas, me pondré rojo.

If you praise me, I will turn red (blush).

Conditional 'if' clause with future tense.

Fue una acción muy loable y todos la alabaron.

It was a very praiseworthy action and everyone praised it.

Use of the adjective 'loable' related to 'alabar'.

Aunque lo alaben, él sigue siendo humilde.

Even though they praise him, he remains humble.

Subjunctive after 'aunque' for a known fact.

Me gusta alabar el talento de los demás.

I like to praise the talent of others.

Infinitive after 'gustar'.

Las alabanzas del pastor fueron muy emotivas.

The pastor's praises were very moving.

Noun form 'alabanzas'.

No alabes el día hasta que se ponga el sol.

Don't praise the day until the sun sets.

Imperative (negative) and a common proverb.

Él se alaba de ser el mejor jugador.

He boasts about being the best player.

Reflexive 'alabarse de' meaning 'to boast of'.

La crítica ha alabado unánimemente la obra.

The critics have unanimously praised the work.

Present perfect tense.

Es digno de alabar que haya vuelto a intentarlo.

It is worthy of praise that he tried again.

Phrase 'digno de alabar'.

Alabaron al presidente por su gestión de la crisis.

They praised the president for his management of the crisis.

Third person plural (they) used for general public.

No se cansa de alabar las virtudes de su ciudad.

He doesn't tire of praising his city's virtues.

Phrase 'no cansarse de' + infinitive.

Su conducta fue alabada en todo el país.

His conduct was praised throughout the country.

Passive voice 'fue alabada'.

Alabar a los amigos es fácil, lo difícil es criticarlos.

Praising friends is easy; the hard part is criticizing them.

Infinitive as a noun/subject.

Quisiera alabar la rapidez con la que respondieron.

I would like to praise the speed with which they responded.

Polite conditional 'quisiera'.

Los expertos alaban la tecnología de este motor.

Experts praise the technology of this engine.

Formal/Technical context.

El orador no escatimó en alabar a su mentor.

The speaker did not hold back in praising his mentor.

Phrase 'no escatimar en' (to not skimp on).

Resulta paradójico alabar la paz mientras se prepara la guerra.

It is paradoxical to praise peace while preparing for war.

Complex philosophical sentence structure.

La novela ha sido alabada por su prosa lírica.

The novel has been praised for its lyrical prose.

Passive voice with agent.

Muchos alaban el sistema, pero pocos lo entienden.

Many praise the system, but few understand it.

Contrastive sentence with 'pero'.

Alabaron su decisión, aunque fuera impopular.

They praised his decision, even though it was unpopular.

Subjunctive 'fuera' in a concessive clause.

Se dedica a alabar las glorias de un pasado inexistente.

He spends his time praising the glories of a non-existent past.

Reflexive 'dedicarse a'.

Es un error alabar la ignorancia.

It is a mistake to praise ignorance.

Impersonal 'es un error'.

Alabemos, pues, la libertad que hoy disfrutamos.

Let us praise, then, the freedom we enjoy today.

Hortatory subjunctive (let us...).

Su obra alaba la finitud de la existencia humana.

His work praises the finitude of human existence.

Highly abstract/philosophical subject.

No es sino una estrategia para alabar al régimen.

It is nothing but a strategy to praise the regime.

Structure 'no es sino' (it's nothing but).

Alabar lo mediocre es condenar la excelencia.

To praise the mediocre is to condemn excellence.

Parallel infinitives as subjects.

Se deshizo en alabanzas hacia su rival tras la derrota.

He went out of his way to praise his rival after the defeat.

Idiom 'deshacerse en alabanzas'.

La mística busca alabar lo inefable.

Mysticism seeks to praise the ineffable.

Advanced vocabulary 'inefable' (indescribable).

Alabaron su estoicismo ante la adversidad más cruda.

They praised his stoicism in the face of the harshest adversity.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'estoicismo', 'cruda'.

El texto alaba la interconexión de todas las cosas.

The text praises the interconnection of all things.

Abstract transitive use.

Pocos se atreven a alabar lo que la mayoría desprecia.

Few dare to praise what the majority despises.

Complex relative clauses.

Common Collocations

alabar a Dios

alabar el esfuerzo

alabar la valentía

alabar la belleza

alabar el trabajo

alabar la paciencia

alabar el talento

alabar la honestidad

alabar la iniciativa

alabar el coraje

Common Phrases

Alabado sea el Señor

— A common religious exclamation meaning 'Praised be the Lord'. Used in prayer and worship.

¡Alabado sea el Señor por este milagro!

Digno de alabar

— Something or someone that deserves to be praised. Used for honorable actions.

Su comportamiento fue digno de alabar.

No es por alabarme

— A phrase used before saying something positive about oneself to avoid sounding arrogant.

No es por alabarme, pero cocino muy bien.

Alabar por todo

— To praise someone excessively or for every little thing.

Sus padres lo alaban por todo lo que hace.

Hacer alabanzas

— To give praises or sing hymns. Often used in a plural sense.

Hicieron alabanzas durante toda la noche.

Alabar de boquilla

— To praise someone only with words but not with sincere feeling (insincere praise).

Él solo me alaba de boquilla, no lo siente.

Alabar a los cielos

— To praise something extremely highly (as high as the heavens).

Alabaron su nueva casa hasta los cielos.

Merecer ser alabado

— To deserve to be praised. Similar to 'digno de alabar'.

Un acto así merece ser alabado por todos.

Alabar la mano que te da de comer

— To praise the person who supports or employs you (often used with a hint of irony).

Él siempre alaba la mano que le da de comer.

Vivir de alabanzas

— To rely on the praise of others for one's self-esteem or survival.

No puedes vivir solo de alabanzas, necesitas resultados.

Often Confused With

alabar vs hablar

Similar sound, but 'hablar' is to speak, 'alabar' is to praise.

alabar vs alegrar

To make happy. Sometimes confused due to the 'al-' prefix.

alabar vs elevar

To lift. While related to 'exaltar', it's a physical action.

Idioms & Expressions

"Quien se alaba, se mancha"

— He who praises himself, soils himself. It means self-praise is no recommendation and makes one look bad.

Ten cuidado con lo que dices de ti mismo; recuerda que quien se alaba, se mancha.

Proverb/Informal

"Deshacerse en alabanzas"

— To shower someone with excessive or very enthusiastic praise.

El director se deshizo en alabanzas hacia la nueva secretaria.

Neutral/Formal

"Alabar el gusto"

— To compliment someone's taste or choice (often used when you agree with their selection).

Te alabo el gusto, ese coche es precioso.

Neutral

"Cantar alabanzas"

— To speak very highly of something or someone continuously.

Mi tía siempre está cantando alabanzas de su nieto.

Neutral

"Alaba lo que no tienes"

— A cynical saying suggesting people value what they lack.

Él siempre alaba la libertad porque vive encerrado.

Proverb

"Alabar la mercancía"

— To talk up or promote something you are trying to sell or convince someone of.

El vendedor no paraba de alabar la mercancía.

Neutral/Commercial

"Echar flores"

— While not using the word 'alabar', this is the most common idiom for giving someone praise or compliments.

Deja de echarme flores, me vas a poner nervioso.

Informal

"Poner por las nubes"

— To praise something extremely highly (to put it in the clouds).

Pusieron su restaurante por las nubes en la revista.

Informal

"Hacer la pelota"

— To praise someone insincerely to get a favor (to suck up).

Está haciéndole la pelota al jefe para que lo alabe.

Informal/Slang

"No tener abuela"

— Used for someone who praises themselves too much (because usually grandmothers are the ones who praise you).

¡Qué bien bailo! —Tú no tienes abuela, ¿verdad?

Informal/Humorous

Easily Confused

alabar vs felicitar

Both are positive reactions to someone's actions.

Felicitar is for achievements (congratulations); Alabar is for qualities/character (praise).

Te felicito por ganar; te alabo por tu esfuerzo.

alabar vs elogiar

Synonyms.

Elogiar is more formal and often written; Alabar is more emotional/religious.

El crítico elogió el libro.

alabar vs admirar

Related feelings.

Admirar is the feeling (to admire); Alabar is the verbal action (to praise).

Te admiro en silencio, pero hoy te alabo en público.

alabar vs halagar

Both involve saying nice things.

Halagar often implies flattery, sometimes insincere; Alabar is usually sincere praise.

Me halagas con tus palabras.

alabar vs venerar

Religious context.

Venerar is to revere or respect deeply (often saints/relics); Alabar is the act of giving praise.

Veneramos a los santos y alabamos a Dios.

Sentence Patterns

Sujeto + alabar + a + Persona

Yo alabo a mi hermano.

Sujeto + alabar + Objeto

Ella alabó el postre.

Sujeto + alabar + a + Persona + por + Razón

Nosotros lo alabamos por su sinceridad.

Sujeto + ser + alabado + por + Agente

El libro fue alabado por los críticos.

No escatimar en + alabar + a + Persona

No escatimó en alabar a sus padres.

Alabar + lo + Adjetivo

Alabar lo invisible es difícil.

Espero que + Subjuntivo

Espero que alaben mi idea.

No + deber + alabarse

No debes alabarte tanto.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in religious and formal contexts; moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Alabo mi profesor. → Alabo a mi profesor.
You must use the personal 'a' when the direct object is a person.
Me alabo mucho. → Hablo de mis logros.
While 'me alabo' is grammatically correct, it sounds very arrogant. It's better to use more neutral terms.
Él alaba de su coche. → Él alaba su coche.
Alabar is a transitive verb; you don't need 'de' unless you are using the reflexive 'alabarse de'.
Te alabo para tu ayuda. → Te alabo por tu ayuda.
Use 'por' to indicate the reason for the praise, not 'para'.
Ellos hablaban al Señor. → Ellos alababan al Señor.
Don't confuse 'hablar' (to speak) with 'alabar' (to praise) in a religious context.

Tips

Watch the Personal A

Always remember 'Alabo A mi amigo'. Skipping the 'a' is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Use it for People

Alabar is great for describing people's virtues like 'valentía' (bravery) or 'bondad' (kindness).

Religious Context

If you visit a Spanish-speaking country, you will see 'Alabanza' on church signs. It's a key cultural word.

Don't Overuse It

For small things, use 'felicitar' or 'decir que está bien'. Save 'alabar' for things that truly impress you.

Stress the End

Make sure to say ala-BAR, not A-labar. The stress changes the word's flow significantly.

Complimenting Taste

Use 'te alabo el gusto' when you want to tell someone they made a great choice in something they bought.

Passive Voice

In formal writing, 'fue alabado por' is a very common and sophisticated way to express that someone received praise.

The 'A La Bar' Trick

Think of celebrating success at a bar to remember 'alabar'.

Alabar vs. Halagar

Alabar is about merit; halagar is about making someone feel good (sometimes through flattery).

Praising Kids

It's a very positive verb to use when talking about parenting: 'Es bueno alabar a los niños'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A LA BAR'. If you do a great job, your friends might take you 'to the bar' (a la bar) to praise you and celebrate your success.

Visual Association

Imagine a congregation in a church raising their hands to the ceiling, 'alabar-ing' God. Or imagine a teacher placing a gold star on a student's forehead while praising them.

Word Web

Dios praise elogio iglesia niño talento éxito admiración

Challenge

Try to praise three different people today using the verb 'alabar' in your head. One for their work, one for their kindness, and one for their appearance (using a phrase like 'alabo tu estilo').

Word Origin

From the Latin 'alapare', which originally meant 'to slap' or 'to strike'.

Original meaning: In late Latin, it shifted from 'slapping' to 'slapping the hands together' (clapping), which led to the meaning of 'praising' or 'applauding'.

Romance (Latinate).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'alabarse' in a professional setting; it can sound like you are bragging. Use 'destacar' instead.

English speakers might find 'alabar' a bit 'heavy' for casual use. In English, we use 'praise' for God or for very high achievements, but we often use 'compliment' or 'say nice things' for daily life. Spanish uses 'alabar' more broadly.

Alabado sea Dios (Common religious phrase) Canto de Alabanza (Religious hymns) Don Quijote (Cervantes uses the word frequently to describe chivalric honor)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Church

Alabar al Señor
Cantar alabanzas
Alabado sea Dios
Grupo de alabanza

School

Alabar el trabajo
Alabar el progreso
Alabar la conducta
Alabar la inteligencia

Work

Alabar el desempeño
Alabar la iniciativa
Alabar los resultados
Alabar el liderazgo

Art/Music

Alabar la técnica
Alabar la voz
Alabar la obra
Alabar el estilo

Family

Alabar a los hijos
Alabar la comida
Alabar la ayuda
Alabar la paciencia

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué es lo que más te gusta alabar de tu mejor amigo?"

"¿Crees que es importante alabar a los niños con frecuencia?"

"¿Cuándo fue la última vez que alguien alabó tu trabajo?"

"En tu cultura, ¿es común alabar a las personas en público?"

"¿Qué cualidades crees que son las más dignas de alabar en un líder?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una persona a la que alabas mucho y explica por qué.

Describe un momento en el que te sentiste orgulloso porque alguien alabó tu esfuerzo.

¿Prefieres que te alaben por tu inteligencia o por tu bondad? ¿Por qué?

Reflexiona sobre la frase 'quien se alaba, se mancha'. ¿Estás de acuerdo?

Escribe una carta de alabanza a ti mismo, destacando tus mejores cualidades.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. You would usually say 'La pizza está increíble' or 'Me encanta la pizza'. 'Alabar la pizza' sounds like you are writing a poem about it.

No. While it is very common in church, it is used daily by teachers, parents, and bosses to recognize good work and virtues in people.

'Alabanza' is often a religious hymn or general praise, while 'elogio' is a more formal, structured commendation, like a speech at an awards ceremony.

In Spanish, pets are often treated with the personal 'a' if the owner has an emotional bond. So 'Alabo a mi gato' is common, but 'Alabo el gato' (a random cat) is also correct.

You use the reflexive 'alabarse'. However, remember the proverb 'quien se alaba, se mancha'—it's usually seen as a negative trait.

Yes! It follows the standard -ar conjugation rules in all tenses (alabo, alabé, alabaré, etc.).

Yes, you can alabar a new law, a beautiful painting, or a well-designed machine.

It is a 'praise band' or worship group in a church that leads the congregation in singing.

Yes, but 'loar' is much more formal and poetic. You won't hear it in the street, only in literature or very formal speeches.

Use the structure: alabar + a + person + por + thing. Example: 'Alabo a Juan por su paciencia'.