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"Awaken" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "despertar", and "awake" is an adjective which is often translated as "despierto". Learn more about the difference between "awaken" and "awake" below.
awaken(
uh
-
wey
-
kihn
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. despertar
The baby's crying awakened the whole house.Los llantos del bebé despertaron a toda la casa.
2. (figurative) (to induce)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. despertar
The teaching at this school aims to awaken children's curiosity and desire to learn.La enseñanza impartida en esta escuela tiene por objeto despertar la curiosidad y el deseo de aprender del niño.
3. (figurative) (to make aware)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. abrir los ojos
This documentary awakened the public to the horrors of life under the dictatorship.Este documental abrió los ojos al público sobre los horrores de la vida bajo la dictadura.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to wake up)
a. despertarse
The next day we awakened to brilliant sunshine.Cuando nos despertamos al día siguiente hacía un sol radiante.
b. despertar
I awakened at first light and set off on my way again.Desperté al clarear el día y me puse de nuevo en camino.
5. (figurative) (to become aware; used with "to")
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. darse cuenta de
Voters are awakening to the fact that the government has lied to them.Los votantes se están dando cuenta del hecho de que el gobierno les ha mentido.
awake(
uh
-
weyk
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (conscious)
a. despierto
I am usually awake before the alarm goes off.Suelo estar despierto antes de que suene el despertador.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to wake up)
a. despertar
That dog's barks awoke the whole neighborhood.Los ladridos del perro despertaron a todo el vecindario.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to wake up)
a. despertarse
I awoke at six in the morning to go running.Me desperté a las seis de la mañana para salir a correr.
