At the A1 level, you learn 'sembrar' as a basic action word related to nature and gardening. You will use it in simple sentences like 'Yo siembro flores' (I plant flowers). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex figurative meanings. Focus on the physical act of putting seeds in the ground. You will mostly see it in the present tense, although you should be careful with the 'i' in 'siembro'. It's a useful word for describing hobbies or what you see on a farm. You might also encounter it in children's stories about growing vegetables like carrots or beans. The most important thing is to connect 'sembrar' with 'semillas' (seeds). This creates a strong mental link that will help you distinguish it from other verbs later on. Keep your sentences short and direct.
At the A2 level, you start to see 'sembrar' in the context of routines and past experiences. You might say 'El año pasado sembré tomates' (Last year I planted tomatoes). You are expected to handle the preterite tense ('sembré', 'sembraste') and perhaps the imperfect ('sembraba'). You also begin to learn that 'sembrar' is a stem-changing verb in the present tense (e to ie). This is a key grammar point. You might also start to see the word in common proverbs or simple metaphors in graded readers. For example, 'sembrar alegría' (to spread joy). You should understand the difference between 'sembrar' (seeds) and 'plantar' (plants), which is a common point of confusion. Practice using it in the context of weather and seasons, such as 'Sembramos en primavera'.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with both the literal and figurative uses of 'sembrar'. You will use it to describe abstract concepts like 'sembrar la duda' (sow doubt) or 'sembrar el pánico' (sow panic). You are expected to use it in various tenses, including the present subjunctive ('Espero que siembres...') and the future tense. You should also recognize the noun 'siembra' (sowing/crop) and the adjective 'sembrado' (sown/clever). At this level, you can participate in discussions about environmental issues, such as 'sembrar árboles' to combat climate change. You will also encounter the word in more complex literary texts and news reports. Understanding the cultural weight of the word—how it relates to the idea of 'you reap what you sow'—is important for achieving B1 fluency.
At the B2 level, 'sembrar' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You will use it to discuss social and political trends, such as 'sembrar la discordia' or 'sembrar las bases de un nuevo sistema'. You should be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, like conditional sentences ('Si hubiéramos sembrado antes...') or passive voice constructions. You will understand nuanced synonyms like 'difundir', 'propagar', or 'fomentar' and know when 'sembrar' is the more poetic or impactful choice. You can analyze proverbs like 'Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades' and explain their meaning in depth. Your vocabulary will also include related terms like 'semillero' (seedbed) and you will be able to use 'sembrado' as a colloquial adjective meaning someone is 'on fire' or performing exceptionally well.
At the C1 level, you use 'sembrar' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its historical and etymological roots and can use it in academic or highly formal contexts. You might use it to describe the 'sowing' of philosophical ideas throughout history. You are aware of regional variations and specific agricultural terminology related to 'la siembra'. You can use the word in rhetorical devices to create imagery and emotional impact. Your understanding of the word is no longer just about 'seeds' but about the entire concept of initiation and consequence. You can distinguish between the subtle connotations of 'sembrar' versus 'instigar' or 'promover'. You are also comfortable with the word's appearance in classical Spanish literature, from the Golden Age to modern masterpieces.
At the C2 level, 'sembrar' is a word you can manipulate to suit any register or tone. You can use it in highly specialized agricultural research papers or in avant-garde poetry. You have a mastery of all its idiomatic expressions and can even create your own metaphors using the verb. You understand how the word has evolved and its role in the linguistic identity of different Spanish-speaking regions. You can engage in deep debates about the ethics of 'sembrar' certain ideas in society. Your use of the verb is effortless, and you can switch between its literal and figurative meanings within the same discourse to create complex layers of meaning. You are also familiar with obscure derivatives and historical uses of the word that are no longer common but still part of the language's rich tapestry.

sembrar 30秒了解

  • Sembrar means to sow seeds in the ground, a key agricultural term.
  • It is a stem-changing verb: the 'e' becomes 'ie' in most present forms.
  • Metaphorically, it means to spread or initiate feelings, ideas, or consequences.
  • Commonly confused with 'plantar', which is used for established plants rather than seeds.

The Spanish verb sembrar is a fundamental word that every intermediate Spanish learner must master. At its most literal level, it refers to the agricultural act of sowing or planting seeds. Unlike the English word 'plant,' which can refer to putting a fully grown tree into a hole, sembrar specifically emphasizes the act of scattering or placing seeds in the earth so they can germinate and grow. This distinction is crucial for speakers who want to sound natural when discussing gardening, farming, or nature. However, the beauty of this word lies in its extensive metaphorical usage. Just as one sows seeds in a field, one can 'sow' ideas, emotions, or consequences in the human mind and society. It is a word that carries the weight of the future, implying that what you do now will yield results later.

Literal Agriculture
Used when talking about farming wheat, corn, or flowers from scratch using seeds. It is the beginning of the life cycle of a plant.
Metaphorical Sowing
Used to describe the propagation of abstract concepts like 'duda' (doubt), 'pánico' (panic), or 'esperanza' (hope). It suggests a gradual but powerful influence.

Es el momento perfecto para sembrar los tomates en el huerto familiar.

In everyday conversation, you might hear a grandparent telling a child to 'sembrar para cosechar' (sow to reap), which is a life lesson about hard work and patience. In the news, you might hear that a politician is trying to 'sembrar la discordia' (sow discord) among the population. The word is incredibly versatile and appears in literature, songs, and casual dialogue. It is important to note that it is a stem-changing verb, meaning the 'e' changes to 'ie' in certain present tense forms. This adds a layer of grammatical complexity that marks a student moving from A2 to B1 level. Mastery of sembrar demonstrates a deep understanding of both the physical world and the figurative nuances of the Spanish language.

Sus palabras lograron sembrar la curiosidad en todos los alumnos.

Consequential Usage
Often found in proverbs and idioms regarding cause and effect. It highlights the responsibility of the individual in creating their own future environment.

No puedes sembrar odio y esperar recibir amor.

El campesino terminó de sembrar el campo de maíz antes de que empezara a llover.

La maestra quiere sembrar valores éticos en el corazón de sus estudiantes.

Using sembrar correctly requires attention to its conjugation and its relationship with direct objects. As an '-ar' verb, its endings are standard, but the stem change 'e' to 'ie' occurs in the present indicative (except for nosotros and vosotros) and the present subjunctive. For example, 'I sow' is 'Yo siembro.' This phonetic shift is vital for sounding like a native speaker. When using it literally, the direct object is usually the type of seed or the specific plant species being started. When used figuratively, the object is an abstract noun. It is often used in the infinitive form after auxiliary verbs like 'querer,' 'poder,' or 'necesitar.' Understanding the context—whether it is a physical garden or a psychological state—will guide your choice of accompanying vocabulary.

Present Tense Conjugation
Yo siembro, tú siembras, él/ella siembra, nosotros sembramos, vosotros sembráis, ellos siembran. Note the lack of change in the 'nosotros' form.
Direct Object Placement
Typically follows the verb directly: 'Sembrar semillas de girasol.' If the object is a pronoun, it attaches to the infinitive: 'Quiero sembrarlas.'

Si siembras vientos, recogerás tempestades; es una advertencia sobre las consecuencias de nuestras acciones.

In complex sentences, sembrar can be used in the passive voice or with 'se' to indicate a general action: 'Se siembra el trigo en otoño.' This is common in technical or instructional texts about agriculture. In poetic or literary contexts, the verb often takes on a grander scale, where the 'field' might be the entire world or history itself. When practicing, try to create pairs of sentences: one literal and one figurative. This will help bridge the gap between basic vocabulary and advanced conceptual expression. For instance, 'Sembro flores' versus 'Siembro alegría.' The structure remains identical, but the depth of meaning changes significantly. Pay close attention to the prepositions that might follow; often, we sow 'en' (in) a place or 'para' (for) a purpose.

Mañana vamos a sembrar las zanahorias en la parte trasera del jardín.

Subjunctive Usage
Espero que tú siembres (I hope you sow). Used for expressing desires or hypothetical situations involving growth and beginnings.

El autor intentó sembrar una semilla de duda en la mente del lector desde el primer capítulo.

Cuando sembramos el campo el año pasado, tuvimos una cosecha excelente.

Es necesario sembrar la paz en las regiones que han sufrido conflictos prolongados.

The word sembrar resonates through various strata of Hispanic society. If you visit a rural area in Spain, Mexico, or Argentina, you will hear it constantly in its literal agricultural sense. Farmers discuss 'la época de siembra' (the sowing season) and debate which crops to sembrar based on the rainfall. It is a word tied to the earth, the seasons, and survival. In these contexts, it is spoken with a sense of pragmatism and deep tradition. However, you don't need to be on a farm to encounter it. In urban centers, sembrar is a favorite of journalists and political commentators. They use it to describe the social climate—how a certain policy might 'sembrar el caos' (sow chaos) or how a movement aims to 'sembrar conciencia' (sow awareness). This duality makes the word ubiquitous in both the most traditional and the most modern settings.

News and Media
Frequently used to describe the spread of rumors, fear, or ideological shifts. Headlines often feature 'sembrar el pánico' during crises.
Music and Poetry
Artists like Mercedes Sosa or Silvio Rodríguez often use 'sembrar' as a metaphor for social change and planting the seeds of revolution or love.

En el telediario dijeron que las nuevas medidas podrían sembrar la confusión entre los ciudadanos.

In the classroom, teachers use sembrar to talk about education as a process of planting knowledge. In religious settings, it is a key term in parables and sermons about faith and the 'word of God.' Even in corporate environments, a manager might talk about 'sembrar las bases' (sowing the foundations) of a new project. Its presence in proverbs means that even people who have never stepped on a farm use it instinctively. 'Quien bien siembra, bien coge' (He who sows well, reaps well) is a common refrain heard in family discussions about effort and reward. The word is so ingrained in the collective consciousness that its metaphorical meanings often feel just as 'real' as its literal ones. Listening for this word in different contexts will reveal much about the speaker's intent and the cultural values being invoked.

La canción habla de sembrar esperanza en un mundo lleno de sombras.

Religious Contexts
The 'Parábola del Sembrador' (Parable of the Sower) is a central story in Christian tradition across the Spanish-speaking world.

Mi abuelo siempre decía que hay que sembrar con paciencia para ver los frutos algún día.

El activista busca sembrar la semilla del cambio en su comunidad.

Es importante sembrar árboles nativos para proteger la biodiversidad local.

One of the most frequent hurdles for learners when using sembrar is the confusion with the verb plantar. While they are often translated as 'to plant' in English, they are not always interchangeable in Spanish. Sembrar is specifically for seeds. If you have a small tree in a pot and you are putting it in the ground, you are plantando it, not sembrando it. Using sembrar for a tree can sound slightly odd to a native speaker, as it implies you are burying seeds to grow that tree. Another major mistake is grammatical: forgetting the stem change. Many students say 'yo sembro' instead of 'yo siembro.' This error is common because the 'e' to 'ie' change doesn't happen in the 'nosotros' form ('sembramos'), leading learners to think the verb is regular. Consistency in applying the stem change in the boot-shaped forms of the conjugation table is essential.

Sembrar vs. Plantar
Sembrar = seeds (semillas). Plantar = plants with roots already established (plantas, árboles).
Conjugation Errors
Incorrect: 'Tú sembras'. Correct: 'Tú siembras'. The stem change is mandatory in the present indicative.

No digas 'quiero sembrar este arbusto'; es mejor decir 'plantar este arbusto'.

Additionally, learners sometimes confuse sembrar with semejar (to resemble) or sentar (to sit/to fit), especially in fast speech. Phonetically, the 's-m-b-r' cluster is distinct, but for a beginner, it can blend into other similar-sounding verbs. Another nuance involves the figurative use: while you can 'sembrar dudas,' you usually don't 'sembrar' physical objects like furniture or books—that would be 'colocar' or 'poner.' Using sembrar metaphorically for things that don't 'grow' or 'spread' can lead to awkward phrasing. For example, you wouldn't 'sembrar una mesa' in a room. Finally, pay attention to the preposition 'de'. We often 'sembrar un campo DE trigo' (sow a field WITH wheat). Using 'con' is also acceptable, but 'de' is very frequent in this context. Mastering these subtle distinctions will elevate your Spanish from functional to fluent.

Es un error común pensar que sembrar y plantar son exactamente lo mismo en todos los contextos.

Preposition Usage
Using 'en' for the location and 'de' for the crop: 'Sembrar el jardín de flores'.

Muchos estudiantes olvidan la 'i' y dicen 'sembro' en vez de 'siembro'.

No se debe sembrar pánico innecesario durante una emergencia; la calma es vital.

Asegúrate de no sembrar las semillas demasiado profundo en la tierra.

To truly master the semantic field of growth and creation, it is helpful to compare sembrar with its synonyms and related terms. While sembrar is your 'go-to' for seeds, several other verbs offer more specific or slightly different meanings. Understanding these will help you choose the most precise word for your intended message. For example, if you are talking about the overall care of a plant throughout its life, cultivar is more appropriate. If you are talking about the act of spreading ideas specifically to a large audience, difundir or propagar might be stronger choices. Each of these words shares a piece of the conceptual pie with sembrar, but they emphasize different aspects of the process—whether it is the beginning, the maintenance, or the scale of the distribution.

Plantar vs. Sembrar
Plantar is for putting a plant into the ground. Sembrar is for putting seeds into the ground. You 'plantas' a rose bush but you 'siembras' grass seeds.
Cultivar vs. Sembrar
Cultivar means to cultivate or tend. It covers the whole process from planting to harvesting. You can 'sembrar' today and then 'cultivar' for the next three months.
Diseminar vs. Sembrar
Diseminar is more technical and means to scatter or disseminate. It is often used for information, pollen, or spores. It lacks the 'nurturing' connotation that sembrar often has.

En lugar de sembrar solo una idea, el orador decidió difundir un manifiesto completo.

Other alternatives include fomentar (to encourage or promote) and originar (to originate). Use fomentar when you want to talk about encouraging a behavior: 'fomentar el respeto.' Use sembrar when you want to emphasize the 'planting' of that behavior as a seed that will grow. In agricultural contexts, you might also encounter resembrar, which means to sow again, perhaps because the first attempt failed or to thicken the crop. In figurative language, infundir (to instill) is a close relative, often used with feelings like 'infundir valor' (to instill courage). By contrasting these words, you can see that sembrar is uniquely tied to the metaphor of the seed—the small beginning that holds the potential for something much larger.

Decidimos plantar el árbol de manzanas, pero vamos a sembrar las lechugas desde semilla.

El profesor busca fomentar la lectura, pero su objetivo final es sembrar el amor por la literatura.

Es mejor cultivar una buena relación que simplemente sembrar una buena impresión inicial.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The word 'seminar' in English comes from the same Latin root 'seminarium' (seed plot), reflecting the idea of a place where ideas are 'sown' and grown.

发音指南

UK /semˈbɾaɾ/
US /semˈbɾaɾ/
The stress is on the last syllable: sem-BRAR.
押韵词
cantar bailar hablar mirar llegar crear amar soñar
常见错误
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (rhotic).
  • Changing the 'e' to 'ay' (say-mbrar).
  • Making the 'b' too hard like in 'boy'.
  • Not tapping the final 'r' correctly.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable (SEM-brar).

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but figurative uses require B1 level understanding.

写作 4/5

The stem change (e-ie) and the sembrar/plantar distinction make it tricky.

口语 4/5

Requires correct pronunciation of the 'ie' diphthong and tapped 'r'.

听力 3/5

Generally clear, but can be confused with similar sounding verbs in fast speech.

接下来学什么

前置知识

flor tierra agua comer campo

接下来学习

cosechar cultivar regar brotar madurar

高级

diseminar fomentar germinar surco arar

需要掌握的语法

Stem-changing verbs (e -> ie)

Yo siembro (not sembro).

Infinitive after prepositions

Es tiempo de sembrar.

Direct object pronouns with infinitives

Las semillas son pequeñas; quiero sembrarlas.

Present Subjunctive Formation

Espero que tú siembres.

Passive 'se'

Se siembra el trigo en otoño.

按水平分级的例句

1

Yo siembro semillas en mi jardín.

I sow seeds in my garden.

Simple present tense, first person singular.

2

¿Quieres sembrar flores conmigo?

Do you want to plant flowers with me?

Infinitive form after the verb 'querer'.

3

El campesino siembra el maíz.

The farmer sows the corn.

Third person singular with stem change e -> ie.

4

Nosotros sembramos lechuga hoy.

We are sowing lettuce today.

First person plural; note there is no stem change.

5

Ellos siembran en la primavera.

They sow in the spring.

Third person plural with stem change e -> ie.

6

Es fácil sembrar estas semillas.

It is easy to sow these seeds.

Infinitive used as a subject complement.

7

Mi mamá siembra hierbabuena en una maceta.

My mom plants mint in a pot.

Third person singular present tense.

8

Tú siembras muy bien.

You sow very well.

Second person singular with stem change.

1

Ayer sembré zanahorias en el huerto.

Yesterday I planted carrots in the vegetable garden.

Preterite tense, first person singular.

2

Cuando era niño, sembraba papas con mi abuelo.

When I was a child, I used to plant potatoes with my grandfather.

Imperfect tense, indicating a habitual past action.

3

No hemos sembrado nada este año.

We haven't planted anything this year.

Present perfect tense.

4

¿Ya sembraste las semillas de girasol?

Did you already plant the sunflower seeds?

Preterite tense, second person singular.

5

Ella sembró flores rojas en la entrada.

She planted red flowers at the entrance.

Preterite tense, third person singular.

6

Estamos sembrando el campo ahora mismo.

We are sowing the field right now.

Present progressive construction.

7

Espero sembrar un árbol frutal pronto.

I hope to plant a fruit tree soon.

Infinitive expressing a future desire.

8

Ellos sembraron trigo el mes pasado.

They planted wheat last month.

Preterite tense, third person plural.

1

Si quieres buenos resultados, debes sembrar con cuidado.

If you want good results, you must sow with care.

Use of the modal verb 'deber' followed by the infinitive.

2

Sus mentiras empezaron a sembrar la duda en el equipo.

His lies began to sow doubt in the team.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

3

Es importante que siembres las semillas antes de la lluvia.

It is important that you sow the seeds before the rain.

Present subjunctive after an impersonal expression.

4

Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades.

He who sows winds, reaps storms.

Common proverb illustrating cause and effect.

5

El profesor logró sembrar el interés por la ciencia en sus alumnos.

The teacher managed to sow interest in science in his students.

Figurative use meaning to inspire or initiate.

6

Mañana sembrarán el pánico si no decimos la verdad.

Tomorrow they will sow panic if we don't tell the truth.

Future tense, third person plural.

7

Me gustaría sembrar mis propios vegetales este verano.

I would like to sow my own vegetables this summer.

Conditional tense expressing a wish.

8

Siempre hay que sembrar esperanza en los momentos difíciles.

One must always sow hope in difficult times.

Impersonal 'hay que' with the infinitive.

1

La noticia fue diseñada para sembrar la discordia entre los aliados.

The news was designed to sow discord among the allies.

Passive voice construction.

2

Si hubieras sembrado a tiempo, ahora tendrías una gran cosecha.

If you had sown on time, you would have a great harvest now.

Past perfect subjunctive in a conditional sentence.

3

El gobierno busca sembrar las bases de una economía más verde.

The government seeks to sow the foundations of a greener economy.

Figurative use meaning to establish foundations.

4

No dejes que nadie siembre miedos en tu corazón.

Don't let anyone sow fears in your heart.

Negative imperative followed by the subjunctive.

5

El escritor ha sembrado pistas a lo largo de toda la novela.

The writer has sown clues throughout the entire novel.

Metaphorical use in a literary context.

6

Es fundamental sembrar valores éticos desde la infancia.

It is fundamental to sow ethical values from childhood.

Infinitive after an adjective phrase.

7

La empresa está sembrando el terreno para su expansión internacional.

The company is sowing the ground for its international expansion.

Idiomatic use meaning 'preparing the way'.

8

Aunque siembren dudas, nosotros seguiremos adelante.

Even if they sow doubts, we will keep going.

Concessive clause with the subjunctive.

1

La retórica del candidato parece sembrar el odio en lugar de la unidad.

The candidate's rhetoric seems to sow hatred instead of unity.

Nuanced use of 'parece' with the infinitive.

2

El filósofo pretendía sembrar la semilla de la duda metódica en sus discípulos.

The philosopher intended to sow the seed of methodical doubt in his disciples.

Academic and historical context.

3

Se ha procedido a sembrar de nuevo la zona afectada por el incendio.

The area affected by the fire has been re-sown.

Impersonal 'se' with a perfect tense.

4

Su actuación en el escenario estuvo sembrada de momentos brillantes.

His performance on stage was sown with brilliant moments.

Use of the past participle as an adjective meaning 'filled with'.

5

Es imperativo sembrar conciencia sobre el agotamiento de los recursos naturales.

It is imperative to sow awareness about the depletion of natural resources.

Formal register using 'imperativo'.

6

La propaganda intentó sembrar la confusión para desestabilizar al país.

The propaganda tried to sow confusion to destabilize the country.

Political and historical context.

7

Cada palabra que decimos puede sembrar algo duradero en los demás.

Every word we say can sow something lasting in others.

Reflective and philosophical usage.

8

El proyecto busca sembrar un precedente para futuras investigaciones.

The project seeks to sow a precedent for future research.

Professional context, often 'sentar un precedente' is used, but 'sembrar' adds a nuance of growth.

1

La obra de Cervantes sembró los cimientos de la novela moderna.

Cervantes' work sowed the foundations of the modern novel.

Historical and literary analysis.

2

No podemos permitir que el extremismo siembre la cizaña en nuestra convivencia.

We cannot allow extremism to sow discord (tares) in our coexistence.

Use of the specific term 'cizaña' (tares/discord).

3

El discurso estuvo sembrado de cultismos y metáforas complejas.

The speech was peppered (sown) with learned terms and complex metaphors.

Descriptive use of 'sembrado' in a linguistic context.

4

Aquel descubrimiento sembraría, años más tarde, una revolución tecnológica sin parangón.

That discovery would sow, years later, a technological revolution without parallel.

Conditional of probability in the past/future in the past.

5

El agricultor, con gesto adusto, se dispuso a sembrar el yermo terreno.

The farmer, with a grim expression, prepared to sow the barren land.

High literary register with descriptive adjectives.

6

Sus acciones han sembrado un rastro de destrucción difícil de ignorar.

His actions have sown a trail of destruction difficult to ignore.

Metaphorical use regarding negative consequences.

7

Es necesario sembrar políticas de integración que trasciendan las legislaturas.

It is necessary to sow integration policies that transcend legislative periods.

Formal political and administrative context.

8

La providencia quiso que aquel encuentro sembrara la semilla de una amistad eterna.

Providence willed that that meeting should sow the seed of an eternal friendship.

Poetic and elevated register.

常见搭配

sembrar el pánico
sembrar la duda
sembrar el caos
sembrar semillas
sembrar esperanza
sembrar trigo
sembrar discordia
sembrar vientos
sembrar terror
sembrar conciencia

常用短语

sembrar para el futuro

— To take actions now that will benefit you later. It is about planning and patience.

Estudiar ahora es sembrar para el futuro.

sembrar la semilla de...

— To start the beginning of a process or a feeling. It implies growth will follow.

Ese viaje sembró la semilla de su amor por la fotografía.

sembrar en terreno fértil

— To share ideas with people who are ready to listen and learn. It implies success.

Tus consejos cayeron en terreno fértil.

época de siembra

— The specific time of year when seeds should be planted. It is crucial for farmers.

Estamos en plena época de siembra de cereales.

sembrar a voleo

— To sow by scattering seeds by hand in all directions. A traditional method.

Antiguamente, se solía sembrar a voleo en estos campos.

sembrar cizaña

— To intentionally create conflict or bad feelings between people. Very common idiom.

Ella siempre está sembrando cizaña entre sus amigos.

sembrar desconcierto

— To cause a state of confusion or uncertainty among a group of people.

El cambio de planes sembró el desconcierto en la oficina.

sembrar de árboles

— To plant an area with many trees. Often used in reforestation contexts.

Quieren sembrar de árboles todo el monte quemado.

sembrar dudas razonables

— To introduce logical reasons to question a fact or a situation. Often used in law.

El abogado logró sembrar dudas razonables en el jurado.

sembrar por hileras

— To plant seeds in straight lines. A modern and organized farming technique.

Es más fácil regar si decides sembrar por hileras.

容易混淆的词

sembrar vs plantar

Plantar is for whole plants; sembrar is for seeds.

sembrar vs serrar

Serrar means to saw wood. It sounds similar but is unrelated.

sembrar vs semejar

Semejar means to resemble. The 'sem-' start can confuse beginners.

习语与表达

"Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades"

— If you do bad things or cause trouble, you will eventually face much worse consequences.

Trató mal a todos y ahora nadie lo ayuda; quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades.

informal/proverb
"Sembrar en el mar"

— To do something useless or to waste effort on something that will never yield results.

Intentar convencerlo es como sembrar en el mar; nunca escucha.

literary/old-fashioned
"Estar sembrado"

— To be very inspired, clever, or funny in a specific moment. Usually used with 'estar'.

¡Hoy estás sembrado! No dejas de decir chistes buenos.

informal (Spain)
"Sembrar la cizaña"

— To stir up trouble or provoke discord among people who were previously at peace.

No dejes que tu primo siembre la cizaña en nuestra relación.

neutral
"Sembrar para cosechar"

— The general principle that one must work hard now to enjoy benefits in the future.

Ella ahorra cada mes porque sabe que hay que sembrar para cosechar.

neutral
"Sembrar dudas"

— To make someone feel uncertain about something they previously believed to be true.

Su comportamiento extraño empezó a sembrar dudas sobre su honestidad.

neutral
"Sembrar el pánico"

— To cause a widespread feeling of fear and alarm, often suddenly.

El rumor de un virus peligroso sembró el pánico en el mercado.

neutral
"Sembrar una idea"

— To introduce a thought or concept into someone's mind so it can develop over time.

Mi abuela sembró en mí la idea de viajar por el mundo.

neutral
"Sembrar de sal"

— Historically, to destroy a land completely so nothing can ever grow there again. Often metaphorical.

Después de la guerra, los enemigos sembraron de sal los campos de la ciudad.

literary/historical
"Sembrar la buena semilla"

— To do good deeds or teach positive values to others.

Como voluntarios, nuestra misión es sembrar la buena semilla en la comunidad.

formal/religious

容易混淆

sembrar vs plantar

Both translate to 'to plant' in English.

Sembrar is specifically for the initial stage of seeds. Plantar is for placing a biological organism that already has structure into soil.

Siembro la semilla, pero planto el arbusto.

sembrar vs cultivar

Both relate to growing plants.

Sembrar is the specific act of putting seeds in. Cultivar is the ongoing process of taking care of the plant until it is ready.

Después de sembrar, hay que cultivar la tierra cada día.

sembrar vs esparcir

Sembrar often involves scattering.

Esparcir is just the physical motion of scattering anything (toys, sand, water). Sembrar is the purposeful scattering of seeds for growth.

Esparce la arena, pero siembra el trigo.

sembrar vs difundir

Both mean to spread ideas.

Difundir is more neutral and often relates to information or media. Sembrar implies the idea will take root and grow into something else.

Difunden la noticia, pero siembran la duda.

sembrar vs sentar

Similar sound in some conjugations.

Sentar means to sit down or to seat. It has nothing to do with gardening.

Me voy a sentar en el banco después de sembrar.

句型

A1

Yo [verb] [noun].

Yo siembro flores.

A2

Ayer [verb in preterite] [noun].

Ayer sembré tomates.

B1

Es importante que [subjunctive verb] [noun].

Es importante que siembres esperanza.

B1

[Verb] [abstract noun] en [place].

Sembrar la duda en el jurado.

B2

Si [past subjunctive], [conditional].

Si sembraras ahora, cosecharías luego.

B2

[Verb] las bases de [noun].

Sembrar las bases de la paz.

C1

Estar sembrado de [noun plural].

El camino estaba sembrado de obstáculos.

C2

[Verb] la cizaña.

No permitas que siembre la cizaña.

词族

名词

siembra (the act of sowing or the crop itself)
sembrador (sower/person who sows)
sembradora (sowing machine)
semilla (seed)
semillero (seedbed/nursery)

动词

resembrar (to re-sow)

形容词

sembrado (sown/clever)
sembrable (sowable)

相关

campo
tierra
cosecha
cultivo
agricultura

如何使用

frequency

High in both rural and urban contexts due to metaphorical use.

常见错误
  • Yo sembro las flores. Yo siembro las flores.

    Sembrar is a stem-changing verb (e -> ie). You must change the 'e' in the present tense forms except for nosotros and vosotros.

  • Quiero sembrar este árbol. Quiero plantar este árbol.

    You use 'sembrar' for seeds. For a tree that is already grown enough to be put in the ground, use 'plantar'.

  • El viento siembra las hojas por el suelo. El viento esparce las hojas por el suelo.

    Sembrar implies planting for growth. If you are just talking about things being scattered randomly without the intent of growing, use 'esparcir'.

  • Nosotros siembramos hoy. Nosotros sembramos hoy.

    The stem change (e -> ie) does NOT happen in the 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' forms. It stays as 'sem-'.

  • Ella sembró duda en mí. Ella sembró la duda en mí.

    In Spanish, abstract nouns used as direct objects in these idioms usually require the definite article 'la'.

小贴士

Master the Stem Change

Practice the 'e' to 'ie' change by writing out the 'boot' of the conjugation table. Remember: siembro, siembras, siembra, siembran. The outside forms (nosotros, vosotros) stay as 'sem-'.

Seed vs. Plant

Always associate 'sembrar' with 'semilla' (seed). If there is no seed involved, you probably want 'plantar' or 'cultivar' instead.

Think Figuratively

To sound more advanced (B1+), try using 'sembrar' with abstract nouns like 'discordia', 'pánico', or 'esperanza'. It makes your Spanish sound more literary and nuanced.

Learn the Proverbs

Memorize 'Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades'. It is a classic idiom that will impress native speakers and help you understand the concept of consequences.

The Tapped R

Focus on the final 'r' in 'sembrar'. It should be a single light tap of the tongue, not a long roll and definitely not a silent English-style 'r'.

Agricultural Awareness

If you are in a rural area, use 'sembrar' to show respect for the farming process. Farmers are proud of their 'siembra', and using the correct term matters.

Preposition 'de'

When saying what you are sowing a field WITH, use 'de'. Example: 'Sembrar el campo de trigo'. It sounds more natural than 'con' in many contexts.

Distinguish from 'Siempre'

In fast speech, 'siembra' and 'siempre' can sound similar. Look for the surrounding words like 'campo' or 'ayer' to help you distinguish between 'sowing' and 'always'.

Spain Slang

If you are in Spain, listen for 'estar sembrado'. It's a great way to tell someone they are being hilarious or very clever.

Visualize the Action

Visualize the 'scattering' motion. Sembrar often implies a wide distribution, which explains why it is used for things like 'panic' which spreads quickly.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'SEM-inar' where a teacher 'SEM-brars' seeds of knowledge. 'Sembrar' and 'Seed' both start with 'S' and involve the 'M' of the earth (mud).

视觉联想

Imagine a person walking through a field, hand reaching into a bag of seeds and throwing them in a wide arc over the dark, rich soil.

Word Web

semilla tierra campo cosechar cultivar agua sol crecer

挑战

Try to use 'sembrar' in a sentence about your future goals. For example: 'Quiero sembrar buenos hábitos este mes'.

词源

From the Latin verb 'seminare', which means to sow or to propagate. This Latin root is directly related to the noun 'semen', meaning seed or sprout.

原始含义: To scatter seeds in the earth for growth.

Romance (Latin)

文化背景

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'sembrar' can be used in sensitive political contexts (e.g., sembrar el odio).

In English, we often use 'plant' for everything, but in Spanish, the distinction between seeds (sembrar) and plants (plantar) is more pronounced.

La Parábola del Sembrador (The Parable of the Sower) from the Bible. The song 'Todo Cambia' by Mercedes Sosa mentions the changing seasons of sowing. The movie 'El Olivo' (The Olive Tree) touches on themes of planting and heritage.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Gardening

  • Sembrar en macetas
  • Sembrar a poca profundidad
  • Sembrar por temporadas
  • Sembrar hierbas aromáticas

Politics/News

  • Sembrar el pánico
  • Sembrar la discordia
  • Sembrar falsos rumores
  • Sembrar la duda

Education

  • Sembrar curiosidad
  • Sembrar valores
  • Sembrar conocimientos
  • Sembrar el amor por la lectura

Business

  • Sembrar las bases del proyecto
  • Sembrar relaciones comerciales
  • Sembrar para el futuro
  • Sembrar inversión

Personal Growth

  • Sembrar buenos hábitos
  • Sembrar paz interior
  • Sembrar alegría
  • Sembrar esperanza

对话开场白

"¿Alguna vez has intentado sembrar tus propios vegetales en casa?"

"¿Qué tipo de flores te gustaría sembrar en tu jardín ideal?"

"¿Crees que es importante sembrar valores éticos en el trabajo?"

"¿Qué opinas del dicho 'quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades'?"

"Si pudieras sembrar una idea en la mente de todo el mundo, ¿cuál sería?"

日记主题

Describe un momento en el que alguien sembró una duda en ti y cómo lo manejaste.

Escribe sobre las cosas que estás sembrando hoy para cosechar en cinco años.

Si tuvieras un huerto, ¿qué semillas elegirías sembrar y por qué?

Reflexiona sobre cómo los medios de comunicación pueden sembrar el pánico en la sociedad.

Escribe una historia corta sobre un sembrador que planta semillas mágicas.

常见问题

10 个问题

Only if you are planting the seeds of the tree. If you are planting a young tree (a sapling), you should use 'plantar'. Using 'sembrar' for a physical tree sounds like you are burying seeds to start one from scratch.

It is a stem-changing verb. In the present tense, the 'e' changes to 'ie' in all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. So it is 'yo siembro' but 'nosotros sembramos'. This is a common pattern in Spanish verbs.

In Spain, it is a common informal expression meaning someone is being very witty, funny, or performing brilliantly in a particular moment. For example, if a comedian is doing a great job, you could say '¡Está sembrado!'.

They are opposites. 'Sembrar' is to plant seeds at the beginning of the cycle. 'Cosechar' is to harvest or reap the fruits or crops at the end of the cycle. You sembrar to eventually cosechar.

You use the phrase 'sembrar la duda'. It is a very common figurative expression used exactly like its English equivalent. For example: 'Sus mentiras sembraron la duda en el grupo'.

No, for spreading butter or cream, you should use 'untar'. 'Sembrar' is only for seeds or metaphorical 'seeds' like ideas and feelings.

A 'sembrador' is a person who sows seeds. It can also refer to a sowing machine used in large-scale agriculture. Figuratively, it can be someone who initiates ideas or movements.

Yes, it is a universal Spanish word used throughout Spain and Latin America with the same primary meanings.

The past participle is 'sembrado'. It can be used in perfect tenses (he sembrado) or as an adjective (un campo sembrado).

It depends on the crop and the climate, but it is generally called 'la época de siembra'. In many places, this is in the spring or autumn.

自我测试 190 个问题

writing

Write a sentence in Spanish about planting seeds in a garden.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'sembrar' in the preterite tense.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'sembrar' figuratively to describe spreading an emotion.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explain the difference between 'sembrar' and 'plantar' in Spanish.

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writing

Write a sentence using the present subjunctive of 'sembrar'.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using the proverb 'Quien siembra vientos...'.

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Describe a farmer's routine using 'sembrar'.

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Use 'sembrar' in the future tense.

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Create a sentence with 'sembrar el pánico'.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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Write a sentence about sowing values in children.

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Use the conditional tense of 'sembrar'.

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Write a sentence using 'sembrar la cizaña'.

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Describe what you would sow for your future.

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Use 'sembrado' as an adjective (informal Spain).

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Write a sentence using 'resembrar'.

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Use 'sembrar' in a passive sentence with 'se'.

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Write a sentence about sowing doubt.

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Use 'sembrar' with 'nosotros' in the present tense.

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Describe the best time to sow wheat.

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writing

Write a poetic sentence using 'sembrar'.

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'sembrar' focusing on the final 'r'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'Yo siembro' ensuring the 'ie' sound is clear.

Read this aloud:

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Say 'Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades' out loud.

Read this aloud:

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Pronounce 'Nosotros sembramos' without changing the 'e'.

Read this aloud:

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Say 'Sembrar la duda' with natural intonation.

Read this aloud:

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Practice the 'b' sound in 'sembrar' (soft b).

Read this aloud:

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Say 'Mañana sembraré tomates'.

Read this aloud:

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Pronounce 'semillero' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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Say 'No siembres el pánico'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'El campo está sembrado'.

Read this aloud:

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Pronounce 'resembrar' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Tú siembras esperanza'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'sembradora' with stress on the penultimate syllable.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Es tiempo de sembrar'.

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speaking

Say '¿Qué quieres sembrar?'.

Read this aloud:

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Say 'Siembro para el futuro'.

Read this aloud:

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Pronounce 'sembráis' correctly (accent on a).

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Say 'Sembrar cizaña es malo'.

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speaking

Say 'El sembrador de ideas'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Siembran en primavera'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to 'Yo siembro flores' and identify the subject.

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listening

Listen to 'Sembramos ayer' and identify the tense.

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listening

Listen to 'No siembres dudas' and identify if it is a command.

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listening

Identify the crop mentioned in: 'Vamos a sembrar trigo'.

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listening

Listen for the verb in: 'Ellos siembran el pánico'.

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listening

In 'El campo está sembrado', is the action finished?

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listening

Listen for the stem change in 'Él siembra'.

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listening

Identify the season in: 'Sembramos en otoño'.

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listening

Listen for the word 'semilla' in a sentence.

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listening

Identify the abstract noun in: 'Sembrar discordia'.

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listening

Listen to: 'Quien siembra vientos...'. What word follows?

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listening

Identify the speaker's intent in: 'Espero que siembres bien'.

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listening

Listen for 'sembradora' and identify the object.

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listening

Listen to 'Ayer sembré' and 'Hoy siembro'. Which is past?

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listening

Identify the location in: 'Sembrar en el jardín'.

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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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