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desempeñar means to carry out / to perform (a role or task) — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 1, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

desempeñar

verb • /[deh-sehm-peh-NYAR]/

to carry out / to perform (a role or task)

Example:

Ella desempeña un papel clave en el proyecto.

She plays a key role in the project.

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🧠 What does desempeñar mean?

The Spanish verb "desempeñar" means "to carry out" or "to perform." It's often used when talking about fulfilling a role, duty, or task, especially in a professional or official context. You can also use it to talk about performing an action or playing a part. Think of it as successfully completing or executing something.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ella desempeña un papel importante en la empresa.
    She plays an important role in the company.
  • El gobierno debe desempeñar sus funciones con responsabilidad.
    The government must carry out its functions responsibly.
  • Desempeñó su trabajo con gran eficiencia.
    He performed his job with great efficiency.
  • Voy a desempeñar el papel de Hamlet en la obra.
    I'm going to play the role of Hamlet in the play.
  • Desempeñaron un papel crucial en las negociaciones.
    They played a crucial role in the negotiations.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to carry out / to perform' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to carry out' or 'to perform' in Spanish is 'desempeñar,' especially when referring to roles, duties, or tasks.
How do you pronounce 'desempeñar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced dess-em-pen-yar (IPA: /desempeˈɲar/). The stress falls on the last syllable.
How do you use 'desempeñar' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Ella desempeña un papel importante' (She plays an important role), or 'Él desempeñó bien su trabajo' (He performed his job well).
What is the English translation of 'desempeñar'?
The English translation of 'desempeñar' is 'to carry out,' 'to perform,' 'to fulfill,' 'to play (a role),' or 'to discharge (a duty).'
Does 'desempeñar' change for gender or number?
Yes, like all Spanish verbs, 'desempeñar' conjugates according to the subject. For example, 'yo desempeño,' 'tú desempeñas,' 'él/ella/usted desempeña,' 'nosotros/as desempeñamos,' 'vosotros/as desempeñáis,' 'ellos/ellas/ustedes desempeñan.'
Is 'desempeñar' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood by everyone, it's slightly more formal and common in professional, academic, or official settings. You'll hear it less frequently in casual conversations.
Does 'desempeñar' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'desempeñar' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. Its meaning is quite straightforward.
Is 'desempeñar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'desempeñar' are generally the same across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'desempeñar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: Yo desempeño Tú desempeñas Él/Ella/Usted desempeña Nosotros/as desempeñamos Vosotros/as desempeñáis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes desempeñan

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "desempeñar"

Synonyms: realizar, ejecutar, cumplir, llevar a cabo
Opposites: abandonar, descuidar, ignorar

💡 Did You Know?

The prefix 'des-' in 'desempeñar' doesn't imply a negative meaning in this case. It actually comes from the older Spanish word 'empeñar,' which meant 'to pawn' or 'to pledge.' Over time, 'desempeñar' evolved to mean 'to redeem' or 'to fulfill a pledge,' and eventually acquired its current meaning.

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