reproducir

Reproducir is a Spanish verb with several related meanings. It mainly refers to creating a copy or replica of something (reproducción), to playing back audio or video in media contexts, and to the biological process of generating offspring. In information technology, it also denotes the action of displaying or starting a file or stream again. In biology, the verb belongs to the broader concept of reproduction, describing how organisms give rise to offspring.

Etymology and related forms. Reproducir derives from the Latin re- plus producere, meaning to bring forth again. The verb belongs to the -ducir family, which has a characteristic yo form ending in -zco in the present tense. Common related nouns include reproducción (reproduction), reproducible (reproducible), and a player or device called reproductor.

Conjugation and usage notes. In the present indicative, the forms are: yo reproduzco, tú reproduces, él reproduce, nosotros reproducimos, vosotros reproducís, ellos reproducen. Preterite: reproduje, reprodujiste, reprodujo, reprodujimos, reprodujisteis, reprodujeron. Imperfect: reproducía, reproducías, reproducía, reproducíamos, reproducíais, reproducían. Subjunctive present: reproduzca, reproduzcas, reproduzca, reproduzcamos, reproduzcáis, reproduzcan. Participle: reproducido; gerund: reproduciendo. The yo form reproduzco is a notable irregularity for learners. In media contexts, reproduce is used for playing content (por ejemplo, reproducir un video). In biology, se reproduce describes the act of producing offspring.

See also. Related terms include reproducción, reproductor, reproducible, reproducibilidad. The verb contrasts with producir, which emphasizes bringing something into existence rather than duplicating or playing back existing material.