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"Empuñar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to grasp", and "apuñalar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to stab". Learn more about the difference between "empuñar" and "apuñalar" below.
empuñar(
ehm
-
poo
-
nyahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to grip)
a. to grasp
El profesor me enseñó a empuñar correctamente el palo de golf.The teacher taught me how to grasp the golf club correctly.
b. to take up (weaponry)
Yo solo empuñaría una pistola si tuviera que defender a mi familia.I would only take up a gun if I had to defend my family.
a. to clench
Nicolás empuñó las manos pero no se atrevió a lanzarme un puñetazo.Nicolas clenched his fists but he didn't dare to punch me.
apuñalar(
ah
-
poo
-
nyah
-
lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
