vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Ancla" is a form of "ancla", a noun which is often translated as "anchor". "Anclas" is a form of "anclar", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to anchor". Learn more about the difference between "ancla" and "anclas" below.
el ancla(
ahng
-
klah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (nautical)
anclar(
ahn
-
klahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (nautical)
a. to anchor
El barco no ancló hasta que se aproximó a tierra.The ship did not anchor until she approached the land.
b. to drop anchor
La embarcación ancló en el puerto de Valencia anoche y no zarpará hasta mañana.The boat dropped anchor last night at the port of Valencia and will not set sail until tomorrow.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (nautical)
3. (to secure)
a. to anchor
En el restaurante, anclaron las sillas y las mesas para que la gente no las cambiara de sitio.At the restaurant, they anchored the chairs and tables so that people didn't move them.
anclarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (figurative) (to get stuck; used with "en" or "a")
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to cling to
En los negocios no conviene anclarse en las viejas ideas. Las empresas deben innovar constantemente.It's no use clinging to old ideas in business. Companies have to continue innovating.
