derramar
verbCEFR B2
What does “derramar” mean in English?
to shed, to spill
to shed, to spill (to pour out liquid or figurative loss; derramar + noun — derramar lágrimas)
Example sentences
El informe reveló que la industria sigue derramando residuos tóxicos en los cauces fluviales de la región.
The report revealed that the industry continues discharging toxic waste into the region's river channels.
Derramó lágrimas de alegría al escuchar el veredicto favorable del tribunal.
She shed tears of joy upon hearing the favourable verdict from the court.
La cisterna se inclinó y el líquido se derramó sobre la carretera antes de que pudieran detenerla.
The tanker tilted and the liquid spilled onto the road before they could stop it.
How to use it
Derramar means 'to spill', 'to shed', or 'to pour out'. Literal use: derramar agua/sangre (spill water/shed blood). Figurative use at B2: derramar residuos (discharge waste), derramar lágrimas (shed tears). The reflexive derramarse means 'to spill over': el café se derramó. Don't confuse with verter (to pour intentionally) — derramar implies accidental or unwanted discharge. In environmental discourse it maps directly to English 'shed' or 'discharge'.
Common mistake
Derramar (accidental/unwanted) vs. verter (deliberate pouring): 'verter cemento' = pour concrete; 'derramar cemento' = spill concrete by accident. English 'shed' covers both light and blood, as does derramar — 'shed light' however is arrojar luz, not derramar luz.