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"Explain" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "explicar", and "complain" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "quejarse". Learn more about the difference between "explain" and "complain" below.
explain(
ehk
-
spleyn
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. explicar
Please explain to me the reasoning behind your argument.Por favor, explícame el razonamiento detrás de tu argumento.
b. aclarar
I don't understand this concept. Could you explain it to me?No entiendo este concepto. ¿Me lo podrías aclarar?
a. explicar
Is there any traumatic experience from his past that explains his reaction?¿Existe alguna experiencia traumática de su pasado que explica su reacción?
b. justificar
Her upbringing explains her rebellious behavior.Su crianza justifica su comportamiento rebelde.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. explicar
I know you're angry, but if you would just let me explain you'd understand everything.Sé que estás enojada, pero si me dejarías explicar entenderías todo.
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complain(
kuhm
-
pleyn
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. quejarse
Why are you always complaining about everything?¿Por qué siempre te andas quejando de todo?
b. protestar
Stop complaining and do something!¡Deja de protestar y haz algo!
a. reclamar
Clients were continuously complaining to the manager.Los clientes reclamaban continuamente al encargado.
b. presentar una reclamación
You need to complain in writing.Tienes que presentar una reclamación por escrito.
c. elevar una queja
The attorney complained to the judge.El abogado elevó una queja al juez.
a. quejarse
He complained of back pain.Se quejaba de dolor de espalda.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. quejarse
She complained that nobody ever called her.Se quejó de que nadie la llamaba nunca.
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