citar
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “citar” mean in English?
to quote, to cite
to quote, to cite (citar + source — reference an authority; also: to summon legally)
Example sentences
El informe cita varios estudios internacionales para respaldar la efectividad del nuevo modelo educativo.
The report cites several international studies to support the effectiveness of the new educational model.
El juez citó a los testigos para que comparecieran el lunes por la mañana.
The judge summoned the witnesses to appear on Monday morning.
How to use it
Citar means 'to quote' or 'to cite'. Structure: citar a + author/source; citar + noun (datos, estudios). Also: to summon (citar a declarar — summon to testify) and to make an appointment (quedar con is more colloquial). The academic citation sense dominates at B2.
Common mistake
Citar has three senses: (1) cite/quote, (2) summon (legal), (3) arrange to meet (less common). In academic writing, citar is standard; in everyday 'meeting up', quedar is more natural than citar.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 6.34.