recitar

Recitar is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote the act of uttering text aloud from memory or from a written source, typically in a formal, literary, or performative context. It covers reading poetry, reciting lines from a play, prayers, or any prepared text for an audience or for practice. The term emphasizes vocalizing the content rather than the manner of delivery.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin recitare and appears in both languages with similar meaning and cognates: recitar in Spanish and recitar in Portuguese; related nouns include recitado/recitação and recitación/recitação.

Usage notes: Recitar is often used for poetry, prayers, classroom recitations, and public readings. It is generally neutral, while declamar stresses expressive, dramatic delivery. In everyday speech, one might recitar de memoria (to recite from memory) or recitar un texto (to recite a text). In theater or academic settings, students recitan versos or speeches.

Conjugation: Spanish forms include: yo recito, tú recitas, él/ella recita, nosotros recitamos, vosotros recitáis, ellos recitan (preterite: recité; imperfect: recitaba; future: recitaré). Portuguese forms include: eu recito, tu recitas, ele/ela recita, nós recitamos, vós recitais, eles recitam (preterite: recitei; imperfect: recitava; future: recitarei). Note that regional usage may vary by connotation and formality.

See also: Declamar, Recitación, Recitado, Poesía.