Question on usage of the verb "vacar"

Question

Vacar

I am working on an entry to the 500 verbs game and was a little confused on how to use the verb 'vacar'.

I would like help in seeing this verb used in various sentences in the correct context to get a better feel for the word.

Is this homework? Post your attempts...........jeje - rac1, Jun 16, 2014

Oh, for heaven's sake no. Hahahaha. My attempt was on the 500 verb post and I believe I failed so I'm seeking help. - katydew, Jun 16, 2014

I wish it were homework, for that would mean I had a tutor or a class to ask dumbe questions like this. ;o) - katydew, Jun 16, 2014

dumb - I can't spell my own language words today. - katydew, Jun 16, 2014

I couldn't resist. Lol :) - rac1, Jun 16, 2014

Please fill out your profile correctly amigo. - ray76, Jun 16, 2014

And now Ray! You all are on my case today. - katydew, Jun 16, 2014

And btw, Ray, I am a female - amiga. - katydew, Jun 16, 2014

Answer 1

It's the "become vacated" in English that's getting me all mixed up. - katydew

The people were vacated from that country........ La gente vacó fuera de los locales.

Katy, the English variant is passive voice and the Spanish variant is active voice but with the direct object missing. I think you meant to say: La gente se vacó fuera de los locales / Se vacó la gente fuera de los locales.

(A way to check these types of phrases is to ask, in this case, "¿La gente vacó qué cosa? Nada porque ella misma fue vacada por otra cosa". ¡Voilá!

Of course, your other sentences are perfect.

Ah, Julian, you are a star. Thanks. - katydew, Jun 16, 2014

Answer 2

Since Rac1 goaded me into examples that all can be entertained by and then rush to my aide:

I vacate the premises.

Vaco los locales.

The people were vacated from that country.

La gente vacó fuera de los locales.

They vacated the house.

Vacaron la casa.

It's the "become vacated" in English that's getting me all mixed up. - katydew, Jun 16, 2014

Lol...Just playing witcha. :) - rac1, Jun 16, 2014

uf, I wish I just knew all this stuff. ha. - katydew, Jun 16, 2014