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"Acercarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to approach", and "apartarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to move out of the way". Learn more about the difference between "acercarse" and "apartarse" below.
acercarse(
ah
-
sehr
-
kahr
-
seh
)A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to approach
Acércate al perro con cuidado porque podría ser rabioso.Approach the dog carefully, because it might be rabid.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to take an interest in
El libro me hizo acercarme a la política exterior.The book made me take an interest in foreign policy.
3. (to travel)
acercar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
apartarse(
ah
-
pahr
-
tahr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to get away
¡Apártate de mí! No quiero verte nunca más.Get away from me! I don't want to see you again.
Apártense de la estufa; está caliente.Get away from the stove; it's hot.
apartar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to set aside
Hemos apartado las cosas más importantes que necesitamos para el viaje.We have set aside the most important things that we need for the trip.
a. to move away
Por favor, aparta esa botella del borde de la mesa.Please, move that bottle away from the edge of the table.
a. to separate
Los maestros apartaron a los alumnos que estaban peleando.The teachers separated the students who were fighting.
6. (to dismiss)
a. to remove
Apartaron al gerente de su cargo por desfalcar fondos.They removed the manager from his position for embezzling funds.
