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rellenar means to fill out — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 29, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

rellenar

verb • /[re-ye-NAR]/

to fill out

Example:

Debe rellenar este formulario.

You must fill out this form.

🧠 What does rellenar mean?

The verb 'rellenar' primarily means 'to fill' or 'to fill out'. It is used in several common contexts. Firstly, it refers to completing a document or form with information, such as 'rellenar un formulario' (to fill out a form). Secondly, it is widely used in cooking to mean 'to stuff' or 'to fill' food items, for example, 'pimientos rellenos' (stuffed peppers). Finally, it can mean to fill a space or container that was previously full or is being filled completely, such as 'rellenar una botella de agua' (to refill a water bottle) or 'rellenar un hueco' (to fill a hole). The prefix 're-' intensifies the verb 'llenar' (to fill), implying the action of filling something up thoroughly or again.

📚 Extra examples

  • Para solicitar el pasaporte, debe rellenar este impreso con sus datos personales.
    To apply for the passport, you must fill out this form with your personal data.
  • La chef rellenó los calamares con una mezcla de arroz y gambas.
    The chef stuffed the squid with a mix of rice and shrimp.
  • El dentista tuvo que rellenar la cavidad del diente con un empaste.
    The dentist had to fill the tooth's cavity with a filling.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'rellenar' is formed from the prefix 're-' and the verb 'llenar' (to fill). While 're-' often means 'again', in this case it acts as an intensifier, emphasizing the idea of filling something completely or restoring it to a full state. This is also the root of the noun 'el relleno', which means 'the filling' or 'the stuffing' in food.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "rellenar"

Synonyms: completar, cumplimentar, llenar, colmar
Opposites: vaciar, dejar en blanco

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to fill out' in Spanish?
The most direct translation for 'to fill out', especially for forms and documents, is 'rellenar'. The verb 'completar' (to complete) is also frequently used in this context.
How do you pronounce 'rellenar' in Spanish?
'Rellenar' is pronounced rreh-yeh-NAHR. The initial 'r' is strong, the double 'll' sounds like the 'y' in 'yes', and the stress falls on the final syllable '-nar'.
How do you use 'rellenar' in a sentence?
It is often used when talking about paperwork. For example: 'Tuve que rellenar una encuesta de satisfacción al final de la visita.' (I had to fill out a satisfaction survey at the end of the visit.)
What is the English translation of 'rellenar'?
The English translation of 'rellenar' is 'to fill out', 'to fill up', 'to refill', or 'to stuff', depending on the context.
Does 'rellenar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'rellenar' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated according to the grammatical person, tense, and mood. However, its past participle, 'rellenado', can function as an adjective ('el formulario rellenado') and would then change to 'rellenada' for feminine nouns.
Is 'rellenar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'rellenar' is very common in everyday Spanish, used frequently in administrative, culinary, and general contexts involving filling spaces or objects.
Does 'rellenar' have slang or double meanings?
'Rellenar' does not have common slang meanings. It can be used figuratively, such as 'rellenar el silencio' (to fill the silence), but its meaning remains clear from the context.
Is 'rellenar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'rellenar' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. While some regions might prefer 'completar' or simply 'llenar' for forms, 'rellenar' is universally understood and used.
How do you conjugate 'rellenar' in Spanish?
'Rellenar' is a regular -ar verb. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern. For example, in the present tense: 'yo relleno', 'tú rellenas', 'él/ella rellena'. In the preterite: 'yo rellené', 'tú rellenaste', 'él/ella rellenó'.

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