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"Cocer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to cook", and "bullir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to boil". Learn more about the difference between "cocer" and "bullir" below.
cocer(
koh
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
cocerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (culinary)
a. to bake
Mientras el pastel se cuece, vamos a preparar el glaseado.While the cake is baking, let's make the frosting.
6. (colloquial) (to feel hot)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. to bake (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Se cuece esta habitación. - Prende el aire.This room is baking. - Turn on the air.
b. to roast (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¿No te estás cociendo con tantos suéteres?Aren't you roasting with so many sweaters on?
c. to boil (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
De día en Marbella te cueces y de noche te congelas.During the day in Marbella you boil and at night you freeze.
7. (colloquial) (to get drunk)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. to get plastered (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Fernando y sus amigos se cocieron en su fiesta de graduación.Fernando and his friends got plastered at his graduation party.
b. to get smashed (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Se cocieron los fans cuando su equipo ganó el campeonato.The fans got smashed when their team won the championship.
8. (colloquial) (to plan)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. to cook (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Algo se cuece con ellos dos.Something's cooking with those two.
b. to brew (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
No sé qué, pero algo se está cociendo con ese grupito.I don't know what, but something is brewing with that little group.
bullir(
boo
-
yeer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to seethe (literary)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
El mar comenzó a bullir y el bote se sacudía violentamente.The sea began to seethe and the boat lurched violently.
5. (figurative) (to be upset)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to seethe (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
Lucas bullía de enfado porque sus padres no lo dejaron ir al concierto.Lucas was seething with anger because his parents didn't let him go to the concert.
