Skip to content

exclamar

to exclaim

verb eks-klah-MAHR Rare

Origin: from Latin exclamare

Usage Note

Exclamar is a narrative verb used mainly in writing to introduce a character's outburst (—¡Increíble! —exclamó ella). It is a straight cognate of English 'exclaim'. In spoken Spanish, verbs like gritar (to shout) or decir (to say) are more natural in conversation; exclamar sounds literary.

Examples

"—¡Qué sorpresa! —exclamó la niña."

Natural Translation

'What a surprise!' the girl exclaimed.

Explore Spanish by topic