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"Demostrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to demonstrate", and "mostrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to show". Learn more about the difference between "demostrar" and "mostrar" below.
demostrar(
deh
-
mohs
-
trahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to explain)
a. to demonstrate
El Sr. Bloom ahora demostrará cómo se usa el carro eléctrico.Mr. Bloom will now demonstrate how to use the electric car.
b. to show
El aeromozo demostró la manera indicada de abrocharse el cinturón.The flight attendant showed the correct way to fasten your seatbelt.
b. to demonstrate
Los resultados del experimento demuestran que la hipótesis es correcta.The results of the experiment demonstrate that the hypothesis is correct.
3. (to present)
b. to show
Por el tono del discurso que dio en la cumbre, el presidente demostró que no tiene ningún sentido común.With the speech that he gave at the summit, the president showed that he has no common sense.
mostrar(
mohs
-
trahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to exhibit)
a. to show
¿Oíste que están mostrando la nueva película en IMAX?Did you hear that they're showing the new movie at the IMAX?
b. to display
Los vendedores en la feria muestran sus mercancías al público.The vendors at the fair display their wares to the public.
mostrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to appear)