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"Dirigir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to manage", and "presentar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to introduce". Learn more about the difference between "dirigir" and "presentar" below.
dirigir(
dee
-
ree
-
heer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to manage (business)
No le gusta mucho dirigir el hotel; preferiría trabajar en un restaurante.She doesn't really like managing the hotel; she'd prefer to work in a restaurant.
b. to run (business)
Mi papá dirige su propia empresa de productos orgánicos.My father runs his own organic goods business.
c. to lead (organization)
Eso ocurrió cuando Barack Obama dirigía a los demócratas.That happened when Barack Obama was leading the Democrats.
d. to oversee (activity, operation)
¿Sabes quién va a dirigir la operación de rescate?Do you know who's overseeing the rescue operation?
2. (to guide)
a. to direct
Realmente necesitan alguien que dirija el tráfico en ese paso de peatones.They really need someone to direct traffic at that pedestrian crossing.
3. (music)
a. to direct (film, show)
Alfonso Cuarón ganó un Oscar por dirigir "Gravity".Alfonso Cuarón won an Oscar for directing "Gravity."
b. to conduct (musical group)
Pablo dirige la orquesta que toca los domingos en la plaza central.Pablo conducts the orchestra that plays in the central square on Sundays.
4. (education)
a. to steer (car, ship)
Dirigió el coche con cuidado por el borde del acantilado.He steered the car carefully along the edge of the cliff.
El capitán dirigió el buque hacia el faro.The captain steered the ship toward the lighthouse.
a. to address
Necesito dirigir esta carta a la chica que conocimos en Bolivia. ¿Sabes su dirección?I need to address this letter to the girl we met in Bolivia. Do you know her address?
dirigirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to walk
El protagonista se dirigió hacia la estación sin alentar su paso.The protagonist walked toward the station without slowing down.
9. (to talk to)
presentar(
preh
-
sehn
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to introduce
Mi jefa me presentó a su marido la semana pasada.My boss introduced me to her husband last week.
2. (to display)
a. to show
Todos los pasajeros deben presentar su pasaporte y tarjeta de embarque.All passengers must show their passport and boarding pass.
3. (to offer)
a. to propose
Presentó una solución alternativa al problema.He proposed an alternative solution to the problem.
b. to present
El fiscal presentó nuevas pruebas contra el acusado.The attorney presented new evidence against the accused.
a. to launch
Presentará su nueva novela en la Biblioteca Nacional.He will launch his new novel at the National Library.
b. to present
La artista presentó sus últimas obras en la Galería Matienzo.The artist presented her latest works at the Matienzo Gallery.
6. (to turn in)
a. to hand in
Todos los estudiantes presentaron sus tareas a tiempo.All of the students handed in their assignments on time.
b. to submit
Los candidatos deberán presentar sus tesis al final del mes.Candidates must submit their theses by the end of the month.
7. (to execute)
a. to perform
Los niños presentaron su interpretación de una obra de teatro clásica.The children performed their rendition of a classic play.
a. to host
El hombre que presenta ese programa es un verdadero encanto.The man who hosts that show is a real charmer.
b. to present
La periodista que presenta las noticias de las 8 es colombiana.The journalist who presents the 8 o'clock news is Colombian.
9. (to possess)
a. to have
Este producto presenta todos los últimos y mejores distintivos.This product has all of the latest and greatest features.
b. to present
El paciente presenta síntomas de la enfermedad de Lyme.The patient presents symptoms of Lyme disease.
10. (military)
presentarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to turn up
La evidencia que necesitábamos por fin se presentó hoy.The evidence that we needed finally turned up today.
b. to show up
Se presentó en la reunión aunque nadie lo había invitado.He showed up at the meeting although he hadn't been invited.
a. to arise
Cuando se presenta una oportunidad, debes aprovecharla.When an opportunity arises, you must take advantage of it.
b. to come up
El tema se presentó en la conversación, pero no se dijo mucho al respecto.The topic came up in conversation but not much was said about it.
15. (to enter)
b. to stand for (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Me voy a presentar para el puesto de presidente.I'm going to stand for the post of chairman.
a. to turn oneself in
El sospechoso se presentó a la policía en la mañana del lunes.The suspect turned himself in to the police on Monday morning.
b. to report
Soldado, tendrás que presentarte ante el general.Soldier, you'll need to report to the general.
b. to sit (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Decidí no presentarme al examen.I decided not to sit the exam.
