What is the difference between realizar and darse cuenta

Question

What is the difference when using "realizar" and "darse cuenta"?

Please help!

Answer 1

The English verb "realize" can have two distinct meanings:

(1). To achieve or make something real; to bring something to fruition.

After years of trying, he finally realized his dream of becoming an actor

(2). To apprehend or understand something.

After years of languishing in menial job after menial job, he finally realized that his dreams of being an actor would never reach fruition.

Keeping this in mind, the first definition above does not vary much from the definition given by the RAE for the Spanish verb "realizar:"

realizar.

1). tr. Efectuar, llevar a cabo algo o ejecutar una acción.

On the other hand, if you look at the definition for "darse cuenta de algo," you will find that this definition coincides more with the second entry for "realize" above:

darse cuenta de algo.

1). loc. verb. Advertirlo, percatarse de ello.

2). loc. verb. coloq. Comprenderlo, entenderlo.

Answer 2

Realizar does usually mean realize.

but

to carry sth out

realizar un análisis / proyecto to carry out an analysis/a project

to perform

to make

to do

to fulfil

to produce

Mis sueños se realizaron. / My dreams came true.

realizarse profesionalmente / to fulfil yourself in your job

darse cuenta - to realize

Answer 3

Realizar means to make and darse cuenta means to realize.

Realizar - Realize in the sense of make, or carry out.

Podemos realizar nuestros sueños, doesn't really mean realize, but to make them come true - carry them out - "realize" our dreams.

Good answer. - Goyo, Oct 24, 2011