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"Asignar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to assign", and "aplicar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to apply". Learn more about the difference between "asignar" and "aplicar" below.
asignar(
ah
-
seeg
-
nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to award)
a. to assign
A Julia le asignaron la responsabilidad de cuidar de su hermana menor.Julia was assigned the responsibility of taking care of her younger sister.
b. to allocate (resources)
El estado asignará más fondos a la educación.The government will allocate more funds to education.
c. to ascribe (value)
¿Cómo podemos asignarle valor a los bienes intangibles?How can we ascribe value to intangible goods?
2. (to name)
a. to appoint
Lo asignaron embajador por su amplia experiencia en política internacional.He was appointed ambassador for his vast experience in international politics.
b. to designate
Roberto fue asignado testamentario del patrimonio de su abuelo.Roberto was designated as executor of his grandfather's property.
c. to assign
El tribunal te asignará un abogado si no puedes costearte uno.The court will assign you a lawyer if you can't afford one.
aplicar(
ah
-
plee
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to apply
Aplique la loción en el brazo y extiéndala de manera uniforme.Apply the lotion to your arm and spread it evenly.
b. to put on
La maquilladora aplica maquillaje a los actores antes de la filmación.The makeup assistant puts makeup on the actors before shooting.
c. to give
Aplica una segunda capa de pintura a la mesa y déjala secar.Give the table a second coat of paint and let it dry.
d. to administer
Para este tipo de cirugía tenemos que aplicar anestesia.For this type of surgery, we need to administer an anesthetic.
a. to apply
Vamos a aplicar un nueva estrategia para obtener mejores resultados.We're going to apply a new strategy to achieve better results.
b. to put into practice
En la sala de emergencias aplicas lo que aprendiste en clase.In the emergency room, you put into practice what you've learned in school.
c. to use (a method or a technique)
El método aplicado resultó ser el más efectivo.The method used proved to be the most effective.
d. to impose (punishment)
El juez aplicó fuertes sanciones por comercio ilegal.The judge imposed strict sanctions for illegal commerce.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to send a request) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to apply
No cumplo los requisitos necesarios para aplicar a una beca en Harvard.I don't meet the requirements to apply for a scholarship at Harvard.
aplicarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to apply oneself
Tengo que aplicarme en los estudios si quiero graduarme el año que viene.I have to apply myself to my studies if I want to graduate next year.
