Repetir vs. reiterar
While both repetir and reiterar can be translated as to repeat, they are not perfectly interchangeable. Repetir is a broad, common term for doing or saying something again, while reiterar is a more formal word used specifically for restating words or ideas for emphasis or clarification.
Repetir
A1Repetir is the general, all-purpose verb for to repeat. It can refer to repeating actions, words, sounds, events, a school year, or even having a second helping of food. It is the most common word used in everyday situations.
No te oí bien, ¿puedes repetir la pregunta?
(I didn't hear you well, can you repeat the question?)
El mago repitió el truco tres veces.
(The magician repeated the trick three times.)
Mi hijo tuvo que repetir el tercer grado.
(My son had to repeat the third grade.)
La paella estaba tan buena que repetí.
(The paella was so good that I had a second helping.)
Intenta no repetir los mismos errores del pasado.
(Try not to repeat the same mistakes from the past.)
El eco repetía nuestras voces en la montaña.
(The echo repeated our voices in the mountain.)
Reiterar
B2Reiterar is a more formal and specific verb that means to repeat a statement or idea. It is used to add emphasis, insist on a point, or formally reaffirm something already said. It is almost exclusively used for verbal communication and is common in professional, political, or academic contexts.
El presidente reiteró su compromiso con la reforma educativa.
(The president reiterated his commitment to the educational reform.)
Permítame reiterar la importancia de seguir las normas de seguridad.
(Allow me to reiterate the importance of following the safety regulations.)
El testigo reiteró su declaración ante el juez.
(The witness reiterated his statement before the judge.)
Quisiera reiterar mi agradecimiento por su ayuda.
(I would like to reiterate my gratitude for your help.)
La empresa nos reiteró por correo electrónico que la fecha límite no cambiará.
(The company reiterated to us by email that the deadline will not change.)
Le reitero que no tenemos más información al respecto.
(I repeat to you that we have no more information on the matter.)
Summary
In summary, use repetir for the general repetition of anything—actions, sounds, or words—in everyday language. Use the more formal reiterar when you specifically want to emphasize that you are restating words, a request, or an idea, often to insist or clarify. You can repetir a meal or an experiment, but you can only reiterar a statement or a commitment.