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"Acercarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to approach", and "avecinarse" is a pronominal verb which is also often translated as "to approach". Learn more about the difference between "acercarse" and "avecinarse" 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.).
avecinarse(
ah
-
beh
-
see
-
nahr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to approach
Los lobos comenzaban a aullar cuando se avecinaba la medianoche.The wolves began to howl when midnight approached.
b. to come near
Un huracán se avecinaba a la ciudad costera, y la población fue evacuada.A hurricane was coming near the coastal city, so the population was evacuated.
c. to draw near
Se avecina el invierno. Tenemos que hacer acopio de suministros.Winter is drawing near. We need to stock up on supplies.
avecinar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to bring closer together
El acuerdo comercial entre China y Colombia servirá para avecinar los dos continentes.The trade agreement between China and Colombia will help bring the two continents closer together.
a. to herald
Los grandes avances de la robótica parecen avecinar un cambio profundo en nuestro modo de vida.The great advances of robotics seem to herald a deep change in our way of life.
