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"Ajustar cuentas" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to settle accounts", and "echar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to throw". Learn more about the difference between "ajustar cuentas" and "echar" below.
ajustar cuentas(
ah
-
hoos
-
tahr
kwehn
-
tahs
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. to settle accounts (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
Lo ofendí y temo que él vaya a ajustar cuentas.I offended him and I'm afraid that he's going to settle accounts.
b. to settle scores (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
José contrató a unos matones para que lo ayuden a ajustar cuentas con el hombre que lo estafó.Jose hired some thugs to help him settle scores with the man who scammed him.
c. to get even
No creo que haya necesidad de ajustar cuentas. No me gustan las venganzas.I don't think there's a need to get even. I don't like revenges.
echar(
eh
-
chahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to propel)
3. (to oust)
a. to throw out
Lo echaron del bar por no pagar su cuenta.He was thrown out of the bar for not paying his tab.
b. to expel
Echaron al estudiante de la universidad por razones disciplinarias.The student was expelled from the university for disciplinary reasons.
4. (to serve)
5. (to release)
a. to give off
El guiso está echando un aroma delicioso que me está dando hambre.The stew is giving off a delicious aroma that is making me hungry.
b. to emit
El tubo de escape de un coche echa gases cuando está parado en funcionamiento.The exhaust pipe of the car emits gases when it is idle.
6. (to produce)
a. to sprout
En primavera, los árboles de mi jardín echan hojas nuevas.In the spring, the trees of my garden sprout new leaves.
7. (to give)
a. to give
Papá le echó la bronca a mi hermano por mentir.My dad gave my brother a telling-off for lying.
8. (to send)
a. to mail (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Voy a la oficina de correos para comprar sellos para echar esta carta.I'm going to the post office to buy stamps to mail this letter.
b. to post (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¿Cuánto cuesta echar este paquete a Alemania?How much does it cost to post this parcel to Germany?
11. (to move)
a. to push
Echa la mesa a un lado para hacer más sitio para la fiesta.Push the table aside to make more room for the party.
12. (to lay off)
a. to fire
Me echaron del trabajo por no cumplir con mis responsabilidades.I was fired from a job for not fulfilling my duties.
b. to sack (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Lo echaron porque nunca completaba sus proyectos.They sacked him because he never completed his projects.
echarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
13. (to commence)
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to throw oneself
Intentó suicidarse echándose al agua desde el puente.He tried to commit suicide throwing himself into the water from the bridge.
15. (to recline)
16. (to apply)
a. to put on
Me eché protector solar antes de ir a la playa, pero me quemé.I put on sunscreen before going to the beach, but I got sunburned.
