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"Comprar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to buy", and "construir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to build". Learn more about the difference between "comprar" and "construir" below.
comprar(
kohm
-
prahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to buy
¡Hay que comprar una piñata que hoy comienzan las posadas!We need to buy a piñata because the Posadas start today!
b. to purchase
¿Le gustaría comprar ese artículo?Would you like to purchase that item?
a. to buy off
Los políticos malvados intentaron comprar mi silencio.The evil politicians tried to buy me off.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to shop
Prefiero comprar en el mercado si puedo.I prefer to shop at the market if I can.
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construir(
kohns
-
trweer
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to build
Están construyendo una casa allí.They're building a house there.
a. to construct
Para construir una oración completa, tienes que identificar el sujeto y el verbo.To construct a full sentence, you must identify the subject and the verb.
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