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"Embarcar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to board", and "abordar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to tackle". Learn more about the difference between "embarcar" and "abordar" below.
embarcar(
ehm
-
bahr
-
kahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to embark (passengers on a boat)
Embarcaron a dos mil soldados en Southampton.Two thousand soldiers were embarked at Southampton.
b. to board (passengers on a plane)
Tras embarcar a los pasajeros, hay que hacer varios anuncios.After the passengers have been boarded, we need to make a number of announcements.
d. to put on board (object)
Puede embarcar su auto en el ferry para visitar la isla.You can put your car on board the ferry and visit the island.
3. (to involve)
a. to launch
Fue esta experiencia la que embarcó a Selena López en la carrera que hoy todavía mantiene.It was this experience that launched Selena Lopez in the career she's still pursuing today.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Fue el interés de mi madre por la historia lo que la embarcó en este proyecto.It was my mother's interest in history that got her involved in this project.
La compañía lo embarcó en un proyecto en el extranjero.The company got him involved in a project overseas.
a. to stand up
Quedamos de vernos a las 6 pm pero me embarcó.We had arranged to meet at 6 pm but she stood me up.
embarcarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to go on board
La nave acaba de llegar. ¿Listos para embarcarse?The ship just came in. Are you ready to go on board?
b. to embark (nautical)
Para prevenir el mareo, tome dos pastillas antes de embarcarse.To prevent seasickness, take two tablets before you embark.
d. to go aboard
Los pasajeros se embarcaron tres horas después de la hora programada.The passengers went aboard three hours after the scheduled time.
abordar(
ah
-
bohr
-
dahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to address)
a. to tackle
El libro aborda los principales problemas asociados con el uso de los combustibles fósiles.The book tackles the main problems associated with the use of fossil fuels.
b. to deal with
En la reunión, abordamos la cuestión de si debíamos contratar a más ayudantes.At the meeting, we dealt with the issue of whether we should hire more assistants.
a. to approach
No nos sorprendió cuando una joven abordó a nuestro sobrino famoso para pedirle su autógrafo.We weren't surprised when a young woman approached our famous nephew to ask for his autograph.
b. to accost (aggressively)
Un borracho me abordó en la calle para pedirme dinero.A drunk accosted me in the street and asked me for money.
3. (to enter)
a. to board
Llegué tarde al aeropuerto y no me dejaron abordar el avión.I arrived at the airport late, and they wouldn't let me board the plane.
b. to get into
Aborda el coche y espérame dentro; vuelvo en un minuto.Get into the car and wait for me inside; I'll be back in a minute.
c. to get on
Tropecé con los escalones al abordar el camión.I tripped on the steps when I was getting on the bus.
a. to ram
El pesquero abordó la barcaza sin querer por culpa de los fuertes vientos.The fishing vessel accidentally rammed the barge due to the high winds.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (nautical)
a. to tie up
El mar estaba muy agitado; por eso fue un gran alivio abordar por fin en el puerto.The sea was very rough, so it was a great relief when we finally tied up in port.
