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"Constar de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to consist of", and "consistir en" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "to consist of". Learn more about the difference between "constar de" and "consistir en" below.
constar de(
kohns
-
tahr
 
deh
)
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
a. to consist of
El libro consta de diez capítulos.The book consists of ten chapters.
b. to be made up of
A continuación voy a enumerar las piezas de las que consta el motor.Next I'm going to list the parts the engine is made up of.
c. to be composed of
La colección consta de cien cuadros y treinta esculturas de distintos artistas.The collection is composed of one hundred paintings and thirty sculptures by different artists.
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consistir en(
kohn
-
sees
-
teer
 
ehn
)
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
a. to consist of
En estos momentos, mi vida consiste en trabajar, dormir, y comer.My life consists of working, sleeping, and eating at the moment.
a. to lie in
El único interés del libro consiste en que relata una historia real.The only interest of the book lies in that it narrates a real story.
b. to consist in
El truco consiste en no ponerse nervioso y concentrarse en lo que se está haciendo.The secret consists in not getting nervous and concentrating on what you're doing.
c. to involve
La labor de la ONG consiste en llevar agua a las zonas del país afectadas por la sequía.The NGO's work involves taking water to those areas of the country affected by the drought.
d. to entail
El juego es muy sencillo, consiste en identificar lo que la otra persona está dibujando.The game is very simple. It entails identifying what the other person is drawing.
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