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"Cumplir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to achieve", and "cursar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to study". Learn more about the difference between "cumplir" and "cursar" below.
cumplir(
koom
-
pleer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to achieve
Jorge cumplió su sueño de convertirse en médico.Jorge achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.
Hay que tener fuerza de voluntad para cumplir tus metas.You need willpower to achieve your goals.
b. to carry out
Los subordinados deben cumplir las órdenes de sus superiores.Subordinates should carry out their superiors' orders.
c. to keep
No cumpliste tu promesa de quererme para siempre.You didn't keep your promise of loving me forever.
e. to observe
Los alumnos tienen que cumplir las normas del colegio.Students must observe the rules of the school.
f. to fulfill (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El presidente cumplió su promesa de postularse para la reelección.The president fulfilled his promise to run for reelection.
g. to fulfil (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Como directivo, tienes que cumplir tus obligaciones de manera profesional.As a manager, you have to fulfil your obligations with professionalism.
2. (to reach)
a. to serve
Ha cumplido diez años de condena por el asesinato.He has served ten years for the murder.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to do one's duty
Deberíamos cumplir aunque no será nada fácil.We should do our duty though it won't be very easy.
a. to feel obliged
Nos invitaron solo por cumplir.They invited us only because they felt obliged to do so.
cumplirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to happen)
a. to come true
Cuando me tocó la lotería, se cumplieron todos mis sueños.When I won the lottery, all my dreams came true.
b. to be implemented
El plan se cumplirá según lo previsto.The plan will be implemented as scheduled.
cursar(
koor
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (education)
a. to study
Este semestre voy a cursar cuatro asignaturas.I'll be studying four subjects this semester.
b. to take
Cursé Metodología de la Investigación en el primer semestre de la carrera.I took Research Methodology during the first semester of my degree.
d. to read (subject at university) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¿Qué asignatura cursas?What subject are you reading?
e. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Ángeles cursaba primero en la universidad cuando conoció a Antonio.Angeles was in her first year of college when she met Antonio.
Nuestro hijo solo cursa segundo de primaria.Our son is only in second grade.
a. to send off
Ya cursé todos los documentos solicitados por el registro civil.I've already sent off all the documents requested by the civil registry.
3. (to provide)
a. to issue
La oficina está cursando la autorización para inaugurar el establecimiento.The office is in the process of issuing the authorization to open the store.
4. (to handle)
a. to deal with
Ya estás en comunicación con el departamento que cursa los documentos relativos a la importación de vinos, ¿verdad?You're already in touch with the department that deals with documents relating to the import of wines, aren't you?
b. to process
Todavía se cursan los documentos; los tendrá usted la semana que viene.The documents are still being processed; you'll have them next week.
