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"Averiguar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to find out", and "fijarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to pay attention". Learn more about the difference between "averiguar" and "fijarse" below.
averiguar(
ah
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beh
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ree
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gwahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to uncover)
a. to find out
¿Averiguaste qué era lo que le pasaba?Did you find out what was wrong with him?
No me sé el número de Gabriela, pero te lo puedo averiguar.I don't know Gabriela's number, but I can find out for you.
b. to discover
Los niños averiguaron dónde sus papás habían escondido los regalos.The kids discovered where their parents had hidden the presents.
averiguarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to get by
Nos vamos a averiguar con los ahorros del año pasado.We will get by with our savings from last year.
fijarse(
fee
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hahr
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seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to pay attention
Fíjate bien en todo lo que dice y luego me lo cuentas.Pay close attention to everything he says and then tell me afterwards.
a. to notice
No me había fijado en el escalón y casi me caigo.I hadn't noticed the step and almost fell.
fijar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to put)
a. to fix
Tienes que fijar la lámpara al techo con los tornillos.You have to fix the lamp to the ceiling using the screws.
b. to establish
Ha fijado su residencia en Londres por cuestiones de trabajo.He has established his residence in London because of his job.
c. to fix
Antes de decidirnos por una estrategia, debemos fijar nuestros objetivos.We need to fix our objectives before deciding on any strategy.
