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"Caber" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to fit", and "recortar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to cut off". Learn more about the difference between "caber" and "recortar" below.
caber(
kah
-
behr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to fit
En nuestro comedor cabe hasta un centenar de personas.Our dining area can fit as many as a hundred people.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Quieres otro trozo de pastel? - Está delicioso, pero no me cabe nada más.Do you want another slice of cake? - It's delicious, but I couldn't eat another thing.
Come otro burrito si te cabe.Have another burrito if you can manage it.
a. to be room for
En esta guerra, no caben consideraciones.In this war, there is no room for consideration.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Cabe preguntarse si esto es lo que queremos que recuerden de nosotros.It might be worth questioning if this what we'd like to be remembered for.
Cabe la posibilidad de que la banda cancele la presentación si el cantante no se recupera.It's possible the band will cancel the show if the singer doesn't recover.
recortar(
rreh
-
kohr
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to shorten)
a. to cut off
El jardinero recortó las ramas secas del árbol.The gardened cut the withered branches off of the tree.
b. to cut away
Usa una tijera para recortar la tela que sobra.Cut away the excess fabric with scissors.
c. to trim
Te debes recortar las puntas del cabello al menos cada dos meses.You should trim the ends of your hair at least every two months.
a. to cut out
Recorté fotos de una revista y las pegué en mi cuaderno.I cut out pictures from a magazine and pasted them into my notebook.
3. (to slash)
a. to cut
Recortar el presupuesto hará que peligre la estabilidad financiera.Cutting the budget will threaten our financial stability.
b. to reduce
El estado decidió recortar la ayuda a los refugiados.The government decided to reduce aid to the refugees.
c. to cut down on
Se implementaron impuestos altos para recortar el consumo de alcohol.High taxes were implemented in order to cut down on alcohol consumption.
recortarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to stand out
El rascacielos iluminado se recorta sobre el cielo nocturno.The illuminated skyscraper stands out against the night sky.
b. to be outlined
La figura del centinela se recortaba contra las luces por la calle.The figure of the sentry was outlined against the lights on the street.
c. to be silhouetted
El globo dirigible se recortaba sobre el sol poniente.The zeppelin was silhouetted against the setting sun.
