consistir en
verbCEFR B2
What does “consistir en” mean in English?
to consist of, to involve
to consist of, to involve (consistir en + noun/infinitive — always en, never de)
Example sentences
El primer módulo del curso consiste en una serie de lecturas comentadas seguidas de un debate en grupo.
The first module of the course consists of a series of commented readings followed by a group debate.
La clave del éxito consiste en saber identificar los momentos en que hay que actuar con rapidez.
The key to success consists in knowing how to identify the moments when one must act swiftly.
¿En qué consiste exactamente el procedimiento? ¿Podría explicarlo paso a paso?
What exactly does the procedure consist of? Could you explain it step by step?
How to use it
Consistir en means 'to consist of' or 'to involve' — defining what something is made of or what it involves. The preposition is always en: 'en qué consiste la prueba' (what does the test consist of / involve). It is used to give definitions and explain what an activity, object, or method comprises. Don't confuse with tratarse de (to be about / to concern — more about subject matter) or componerse de (to be composed of — emphasises constituent parts). Consistir en is the go-to verb for formal definitions and explanations.
Common mistake
Consistir en is always followed by en — never *consistir de. English 'consist of' maps to consistir en (not de). The question formula '¿en qué consiste...?' is a very useful B2 phrase for asking someone to explain or define something, and learners should master it as a set chunk. Don't confuse with constituir (to constitute/represent — 'this constitutes a violation').