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citar means to cite / to quote — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 9, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

citar

verb • /[see-TAR]/

to cite / to quote

Example:

Es fundamental citar las fuentes utilizadas.

It is essential to cite the sources used.

🧠 What does citar mean?

The Spanish verb "citar" means "to cite" or "to quote," primarily in an academic or formal context. It refers to mentioning a specific work, author, or passage as evidence or support for a point. It can also mean "to summon" or "to make an appointment," though these uses are less common in academic settings.

📚 Extra examples

  • Debes citar tus fuentes en el ensayo.
    You must cite your sources in the essay.
  • El profesor citó a Shakespeare en su clase.
    The professor quoted Shakespeare in his class.
  • Me citaron para una entrevista de trabajo.
    I was summoned for a job interview.
  • Necesito citar a un experto en mi investigación.
    I need to cite an expert in my research.
  • Citó las palabras exactas del presidente.
    He quoted the president's exact words.

💡 Did You Know?

The word "citar" comes from the Latin word "citare," meaning "to summon" or "to put in motion."

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "citar"

Synonyms: mencionar, referir, nombrar

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to cite / to quote' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to cite' or 'to quote' in Spanish is "citar."
How do you pronounce 'citar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced thee-TAHR (IPA: /θiˈtaɾ/). Remember the 'c' sounds like 'th' in 'thin' in most Spanish-speaking regions.
How do you use 'citar' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: "Para escribir un buen ensayo, debes citar a los autores que consultaste." (To write a good essay, you must cite the authors you consulted.) "El abogado citó un caso previo para defender a su cliente." (The lawyer cited a previous case to defend his client.)
What is the English translation of 'citar'?
The English translation of 'citar' is primarily 'to cite' or 'to quote.' It can also mean 'to summon' or 'to make an appointment,' depending on the context.
Does 'citar' change for gender or number?
No, 'citar' is conjugated according to the subject pronoun, but the verb itself doesn't change based on gender or number of the object being cited.
Is 'citar' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood, it's more common in formal or academic contexts. In everyday conversations, simpler phrases might be used to express the same idea depending on the nuance.
Does 'citar' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. Its meaning is generally straightforward and consistent across different contexts, especially in academic settings.
Is 'citar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'citar' are largely the same across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'citar' in Spanish?
Here are some common conjugations: Yo cito (I cite), Tú citas (You cite), Él/Ella/Usted cita (He/She/You formal cite), Nosotros/as citamos (We cite), Vosotros/as citáis (You plural cite - Spain), Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes citan (They/You plural cite).

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