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"Aproximarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to approach", and "acercarse" is a reflexive verb which is also often translated as "to approach". Learn more about the difference between "aproximarse" and "acercarse" below.
aproximarse(
ah
-
prohk
-
see
-
mahr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to approach
El crucero se aproxima al muelle lentamente.The cruiser is approaching the dock slowly.
a. to draw near
¡Se aproxima tu cumpleaños! ¿Cómo lo vas a celebrar?Your birthday is drawing near! How are you going to celebrate it?
b. to approach
Mucha gente se ejercita y hace dieta solo cuando se aproxima el verano.Many people work out and go on a diet only when summer approaches.
a. to approximate
La tasa de inflación se aproxima a la que predijeron los economistas.The inflation rate approximates what the economists predicted.
b. to approach
A medida que x se aproxima a infinito, el límite se convierte en cero.As x approaches infinity, the limit of the function becomes zero.
c. to be close to
Estas cifras no se aproximan en lo más mínino a los resultados esperados.These figures are nowhere close to the expected results.
aproximar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to bring closer
No puedo leer el periódico desde tan lejos. Aproxímalo.I can't read the newspaper from that far away. Bring it closer.
b. to draw up
Aproxima la silla al escritorio y siéntate derecho.Draw up your chair to the desk and sit straight.
a. to bring closer together
El tratado busca resolver la disputa territorial y aproximar las posiciones de ambas naciones.The treaty aims to resolve the territorial dispute and to bring both nations' stances closer together.
acercarse(
ah
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sehr
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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.).
