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"Centrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to center", and "concentrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to concentrate". Learn more about the difference between "centrar" and "concentrar" below.
centrar(
sehn
-
trahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to center (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Si no centras la cámara no vamos a salir todos en la foto.If you don't center the camera, we won't all fit in the photo.
b. to centre (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
El francotirador centró el objetivo en su mira.The sniper centred the target in his sights.
2. (to direct)
a. to focus
Centraré la reunión de mañana en la bajada del salario.I'll be focusing tomorrow's meeting on the salary reduction.
b. to center (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
A Juan le encanta centrar toda la atención en sus problemas.Juan loves to center all the attention on his problems.
c. to centre (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
En su libro, centra su análisis en la mortalidad infantil durante los últimos diez años.In her book, she centres her analysis on infant mortality over the last ten years.
d. to concentrate
La empresa decidió centrar sus actividades en la producción de energía eólica.The company decided to concentrate its activities on the production of wind energy.
3. (sports)
a. to center (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El jugador centró el pase a su compañero de equipo, que marcó gol.The player centered the pass back to his teammate, who scored.
b. to centre (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Ronaldo centró el balón en el área pero falló el tiro.Ronaldo centred the ball to the area but he failed to score.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (sports)
a. to center (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Suárez centró a Marquez, quien le devolvió la pelota.Suarez centered to Marquez, who returned the ball to him.
b. to centre (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Los otros jugadores gritaban a Vilar que centre.The other players shouted to Vilar to centre.
centrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to focus
Vamos a centrarnos en lo que realmente importa y dejar de hablar de nimiedades.Let's focus on what's really important and stop talking about petty details.
b. to center (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El profesor me pidió que dejara de divagar y me centrara en la explicación del problema.The teacher asked me to stop digressing and center on the explanation of the problem.
c. to centre (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
La charla se centró solo en un tema y no mencionó los demás.The talk centred on only one topic and didn't mention the rest.
a. to settle in
Le costó a Marta centrarse cuando cambió de colegio, pero ahora le va muy bien en sus estudios.When Marta changed schools she found it hard to settle in, but she's doing very well in her studies now.
b. to find one's feet
Me alegro de que Julián se haya centrado y vea dónde va a encajar en el equipo.I'm glad that Julian has found his feet and can see where he'll fit in to the team.
concentrar(
kohn
-
sehn
-
trahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to direct)
a. to concentrate
Concentra tu energía solo en cosas que importen.Concentrate your energy only on things that matter.
b. to focus
Tenemos que concentrar todo nuestro esfuerzo en el nuevo proyecto.We must focus all our effort on the new project.
2. (to group)
a. to bring together
Mi casamiento concentró a toda la familia en Nueva York.My marriage brought the whole family together in New York.
b. to assemble
Se aliaron para concentrar fuerzas y aplastar al enemigo.They formed an alliance to assemble forces and crush the enemy.
concentrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to think)
a. to concentrate
Me cuesta concentrarme en el examen cuando estoy bajo presión.I find it hard to concentrate on the exam when I am under pressure.
a. to assemble
Los soldados se concentraron antes de lanzar el ataque.The soldiers assembled before launching the attack.
b. to gather
Los paparazzi se concentraron alrededor de la actriz y su bebé recién nacido.The paparazzi gathered around the actress and her newborn baby.
c. to gather together
Los monjes se concentraron en el templo para rezar.The monks gathered together in the temple to pray.
5. (to pile up)
a. to be concentrated
La mayoría de las fábricas se concentran en el norte de la ciudad.Most factories are concentrated in the north part of the city.
