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"Aprender" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to learn", and "deber" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to owe". Learn more about the difference between "aprender" and "deber" below.
aprender(
ah
-
prehn
-
dehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to learn
Voy a la escuela a aprender, pero también a jugar y a ver a mis amigos.I go to school to learn, but also to play and see my friends.
aprenderse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to learn
Tienes que aprenderte los pasos del baile para el próximo ensayo.You have to learn the dance steps for the next rehearsal.
b. to memorize
Me resulta cada vez más difícil aprenderme las contraseñas.I find it increasingly difficult to memorize passwords.
deber(
deh
-
behr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. must
¿Cuántos años tiene tu profesora de francés? - Debe tener unos cuarenta.How old is your French teacher? - She must be around forty.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
b. obligation
Es tu deber como madre cuidar a tus hijos.It's your obligation as a mother to take care of your children.
los deberes
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
6. (education)
a. homework
Tengo un montón de deberes que hacer este fin de semana.I have a ton of homework to do this weekend.
deberse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to be due to
Esta situación se debe a la falta de información.This situation is due to a lack of information.
