Do you use inclinar or apoyar for lean?

Question

Hi,

For the following,

I leaned against the car door.

Should I say,

Me apoyé contra la puerta del coche.

or

Me incliné contra la puerta de coche.

Thanks!

Answer 1

"apoyar" is used for (or has a stronger connotation to indicate) the physical act of leaning.

"inclinar" is used to indicate (or has a stronger connotation to indicate) an attitude (an inclination).

Answer 2

Not to be disagreeable, but "inclinar" is also used for the physical act of leaning. For example, in the Reina-Valera 1960 Bible, Genesis 47:31, "Entonces Israel se inclinó sobre la cabecera de la cama". However, when that verse is referenced in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 verse 21, the word "apoyar" is used, like this "....y adoró apoyado sobre el extremo de su bordón."

Thanks for your answer! - JonZ99, MAY 20, 2010

You do understand that your 'best answer' is not entirely correct? - Jack-OBrien, MAY 20, 2010