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"Comparar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to compare", and "contrastar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to contrast". Learn more about the difference between "comparar" and "contrastar" below.
comparar(
kohm
-
pah
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to compare
No puedes comparar a Floyd Mayweather con Mike Tyson. Tienen estilos diferentes.You cannot compare Floyd Mayweather to Mike Tyson. They have different styles.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to make a comparison
Ya comparé, pero todavía me resultan iguales.I've made a comparison, but they still look the same to me.
b. to compare
Si vas a comparar, usa los mismos criterios.If you're going to compare, adopt the same criteria.
a. to compare
La calidad no se puede comparar con nuestra marca de café preferida.The quality just doesn't compare with our preferred brand of coffee.
compararse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to compare oneself to
Piensas que eres un perdedor porque siempre te comparas con los que están mejor.You think you are a loser because you always compare yourself to others who are doing better.
contrastar(
kohn
-
trahs
-
tahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to contrast
La opinión política de tus padres contrasta mucho con la tuya.Your parents' opinion about politics contrasts a lot with yours.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to check
Los periodistas deben contrastar sus fuentes antes de publicar una noticia.Journalists must check their sources before publishing a piece of news.
b. to verify
Quiero contrastar el diagnóstico de mi médico con otro especialista.I want to verify the diagnosis my doctor gave me with some other specialist.
c. to confirm
Contrasta tus datos varias veces antes de decirle a tu jefe que cometió un error.Confirm your facts several times before telling your boss he made a mistake.
3. (metallurgy)
a. to assay
El joyero contrastó el colgante y determinó que era oro puro.The jeweler assayed the pendant and found it to be pure gold.
b. to hallmark (with a seal)
La oficina contrastó esta pieza porque está hecha de un metal precioso.The office hallmarked this article because it's made of a precious metal.
