Spanish word

decorar

Pronunciation

IPA/dekoˈɾaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdecorate

Example

Vamos a decorar la casa para la fiesta.

Let's decorate the house for the party.

Illustration for decorar (decorate)

More examples

Voy a decorar el pastel para la fiesta de cumpleaños.

I'm going to decorate the cake for the birthday party.

Core concept

Adding ornaments and visual details to a space, object, or person to improve appearance.

Common phrases

  • decorar el árbol de Navidad

    decorate the Christmas tree

  • decorar con globos

    decorate with balloons

  • decorar el pastel

    decorate the cake

Similar words

adornar: Adorns with decorative trinkets to give an item extra ornamental appeal.
arreglar: Puts things in order and arranges objects to create a tidier, neater appearance.
poner: Puts or hangs individual items in place without extensive redesign of the setting.
embellecer: Makes cosmetic changes aimed at improving overall beauty or attractiveness.

Definition in Spanish

Poner o incorporar adornos y detalles sobre un espacio, objeto o persona para mejorar su aspecto.

Word origin

From Latin decorare, based on decus 'beauty, honor', and it entered Spanish with the sense of making something beautiful.

Usage tips

  • Spanish commonly uses decorar with con to name the materials used (decorar con luces, telas), while adornar often emphasizes adding small ornaments, with decorar covering broader arrangements.

Other meanings

  • adornverb
  • embellishverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word