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verb

aspirar

aspire

Tomar aire hacia dentro o querer alcanzar algo con fuerza.

Definition & meaning

  1. To aspire or aim for something, especially a goal or position. It is followed by a: Aspira a ser médico — “She aspires to be a doctor.”
  2. To inhale or breathe in air, smoke, or a smell.
  3. To vacuum or suck up dust or other material, typically with a device.

Grammar & Word origin

Aspirar is a regular -ar verb. Its meaning and construction depend on context: aspirar a algo means “to aspire to something,” while aspirar algo can mean “to inhale or vacuum something.”

It comes from Latin aspirare, meaning “to breathe upon” or “to strive toward.”

Synonyms & antonyms

  • anhelar — “to long for”; emphasizes a strong desire rather than an ambition.
  • pretender — “to seek” or “aim for”; often suggests an intention or claim.
  • inhalar — “to inhale”; specifically refers to breathing something in.
  • exhalar — “to exhale”; the opposite of aspirar in its breathing sense.

Common phrases & collocations

  • aspirar a un puesto — to apply for or aspire to a position.
  • aspirar aire — to breathe in air.
  • aspirar el polvo — to vacuum up dust.

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Examples

Mario aspira a ser un gran artista.verb

Mario aspires to be a great artist.

Los jóvenes aspiraron a mejorar sus condiciones de vida.verb

The young people aspired to improve their living conditions.

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