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"Elaborar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to produce", and "escribir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to write". Learn more about the difference between "elaborar" and "escribir" below.
elaborar(
eh
-
lah
-
boh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to create)
a. to produce
Nos propusimos elaborar un vino de la mejor calidad posible.We set out to produce a wine of the highest possible quality.
b. to make
Elaboran quesos artesanales que luego venden en el mercado.They make artisanal cheeses and then sell them at the market.
c. to prepare
Todos nuestros platos son elaborados con ingredientes ecológicos.All our dishes are prepared with organic ingredients.
d. to manufacture (on an industrial scale)
Nuestra empresa elabora perfumes y los comercializa.Our company manufactures and markets perfumes.
2. (to shape)
a. to work (a material)
Los artesanos de la región elaboran la madera y el metal.The artisans in the region work wood and metal.
a. to devise (a strategy or a plan)
La empresa ha elaborado una revolucionaria estrategia de marketing.The firm has devised a revolutionary marketing strategy.
b. to draw up (a budget or a project)
El gobierno elaboró un proyecto destinado a modernizar el sistema educativo.The government drew up a project aimed at modernizing the educational system.
c. to work out (a plan)
Hemos elaborado un nuevo plan de acción.We have worked out a new plan of action.
4. (to compose)
a. to draw up (a document or a list)
Se ha elaborado una lista de todas las opciones posibles.A list of all the possible options has been drawn up.
b. to prepare (a report or a contract)
Nuestro departamento jurídico se encargará de elaborar el contrato de compraventa.Our legal department will prepare the contract of sale.
c. to write (a report)
Estamos elaborando un informe sobre los residuos urbanos y su gestión.We are writing a report on urban waste and its management.
escribir(
ehs
-
kree
-
beer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to write
El alumno escribió su ensayo de 20 páginas en una noche.The student wrote his 20-page essay in one night.
Escribe lo que digo.Write what I say.
3. (to spell)
a. to write
Los nombres propios se escriben con mayúscula.Proper nouns are written with capital letters.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to write
Es un verdadero escándalo que algunos niños terminen el colegio sin saber leer o escribir.It is truly shocking that some children leave school without being able to read or write.
escribirse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
a. to write to
Hace años que me escribo con un argentino que conocí cuando viajaba por Sudamérica.I've been writing to an Argentinian for years whom I met when I was traveling around South America.
