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"Abonar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to fertilize", and "pagar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to pay". Learn more about the difference between "abonar" and "pagar" below.
abonar(
ah
-
boh
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nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to fertilize (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El jardinero abonó y regó el césped.The gardener fertilized and watered the lawn.
b. to fertilise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Aboné el jardín con productos químicos sintéticos.I fertilised the garden with synthetic chemicals.
2. (finance)
3. (to support)
a. to lend weight to
Las pruebas abonan la teoría del Big Bang.The evidence lends weight to the Big Bang theory.
b. to lend credence to
Su declaración es errada y no abona tu reclamo.Her statement is inaccurate and doesn't lend credence to your claim.
abonarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to sign up)
a. to subscribe
No me aboné al cable porque nunca miro televisión.I didn't subscribe to cable because I never watch television.
b. to buy a season ticket for
Me aboné al ballet con un 20% de descuento.I bought a season ticket for the ballet with a 20% discount.
pagar(
pah
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to pay off (a debt)
Yo acabo de pagar mis deudas de la universidad.I just paid off my college loans.
2. (to buy)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).