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"Evitar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to avoid", and "ignorar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to not know". Learn more about the difference between "evitar" and "ignorar" below.
evitar(
eh
-
bee
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to avoid
Gira aquí a la izquierda si quieres evitar el tráfico.Turn left here if you want to avoid the traffic.
2. (to avert)
a. to prevent
Lávate las manos con frecuencia para evitar resfriarte.Wash your hands frequently to prevent colds.
b. to avoid
El accidente se habría evitado si las luces hubieran estado encendidas.The accident would have been avoided if the lights had been on.
a. to save from
Gracias por traerme estos documentos. Me evita tener que regresar a la oficina a buscarlos.Thanks for bringing these documents. It saves me from having to go back the office to get them.
b. to save
Te quería evitar la molestia de tener que venir hasta acá, pero no alcancé contactarte antes de que salieras.I wanted to save you the trouble of coming all the way out here, but I didn't catch you before you left.
evitarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to save oneself
Si sales media hora antes, te evitas el problema de la hora pico.If you leave half an hour earlier, you save yourself the problem of rush hour.
ignorar(
eeg
-
noh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to not know
Ignoraba que nuestros hijos fueran a la misma clase.I didn't know that our children were in the same class.
b. to be ignorant of
Puede ser que el ministro ignore ciertos hechos.It may be that the minister is ignorant of certain facts.
c. to be unaware
Mi hermano ignora que le preparamos una fiesta sorpresa por su cumpleaños.My brother is unaware that we are preparing a surprise birthday party for him.
d. to have no idea
Julia ignoraba por completo que estaba embarazada.Julia had absolutely no idea that she was pregnant.
Qué hace Marta en este grupo, lo ignoro por completo.What Marta is doing in this group I have no idea.
a. to ignore
Mi hermano estaba enojado conmigo y me ignoró durante toda la comida.My brother was angry with me and ignored me throughout the meal.
