disfrutar
verbCEFR B1
What does “disfrutar” mean in English?
to enjoy something
to enjoy something (disfrutar de = formal; disfrutar + direct object = colloquial) or to take pleasure generally (intransitive); positive experience of something specific
Example sentences
Disfruté muchísimo de la obra de teatro porque los actores transmitían una energía increíble desde el escenario desde el primer momento.
I thoroughly enjoyed the theatre performance because the actors conveyed an incredible energy from the stage from the very first moment.
Si disfrutas del arte contemporáneo, te recomendaría que visitaras la galería del barrio del Raval, que tiene una colección impresionante.
If you enjoy contemporary art, I would recommend you visit the gallery in the Raval neighbourhood, which has an impressive collection.
Lo que más disfrutamos del viaje fue el tiempo libre por las tardes, cuando podíamos explorar los mercadillos sin prisa ni agenda.
What we enjoyed most about the trip was the free time in the afternoons, when we could explore the street markets without rush or agenda.
How to use it
Disfrutar means 'to enjoy' something or to take pleasure in an experience. It can be used transitively (disfrutar el momento — enjoy the moment) or with the preposition de before a specific noun (disfrutar de la música, disfrutar de un buen libro). The de-construction is considered more formal and standard in written Spanish; disfrutar + direct object is more colloquial but also correct. Disfrutar can also be used without any object (intransitive): simplemente disfrutamos = we simply enjoyed ourselves. It contrasts with divertirse (general fun) and with pasarlo bien (idiomatic colloquial equivalent).
Common mistake
Disfrutar de algo is the most formal and explicit form; disfrutar algo (direct object) is more colloquial but widely used. Both are correct. Do not confuse disfrutar (enjoy) with disgustar (to dislike/to disgust someone) — they are phonologically similar but semantically opposite. Disfrutar is always positive; disgustar is negative.