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"Ensayar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to rehearse", and "practicar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to practice". Learn more about the difference between "ensayar" and "practicar" below.
ensayar(
ehn
-
sah
-
yahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to work at)
a. to rehearse
El violinista ensayaba antes del concierto.The violinist was rehearsing before the concert.
b. to practice (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Estuvimos toda la clase ensayando un nuevo paso de baile.We spent the whole class practicing a new dance step.
c. to practise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
El equipo no ensayó los tiros libres y se vio cuando jugaron.The team didn't practise free kicks and you could see it in their game.
2. (to check)
a. to try out
Voy a ensayar una técnica para picar la verdura.I'm going to try out this new technique for chopping vegetables.
b. to test
La compañía está ensayando un método para cargar baterías más rápido.The company is testing a method for charging batteries faster.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to work at)
a. to rehearse
La orquesta no ensaya durante el verano.The orchestra doesn't rehearse during the summer.
b. to practice (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Estoy segura de que la canción sonará muy bien si seguimos ensayando.I'm positive the song will sound great if we keep on practicing.
c. to practise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No ensayamos lo suficiente para hacerlo bien.We didn't practise enough to do it well.
practicar(
prahk
-
tee
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to train)
a. to practice (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Pasé tres horas practicando piano.I spent three hours practicing piano.
b. to practise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Hay que practicar mucho para mejorar cualquier destreza.You need to practise a lot in order to improve any skill.
2. (sports)
3. (medicine)
a. to perform
Puede que sea preciso practicar un trasplante para salvarlo.It may be necessary to perform a transplant to save him.
4. (religious)
a. to practice (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Nació católico, pero ahora practica el budismo.He was born a Catholic, but now he practices Buddhism.
b. to practise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¿Practicas el anglicanismo, Nigel?Do you practise Anglicanism, Nigel?
