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"Explicar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to explain", and "permitir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to allow". Learn more about the difference between "explicar" and "permitir" below.
explicar(
ehks
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plee
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kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to teach
La profesora explicó la primera lección del libro en clase.The teacher taught the first lesson of the book in class.
b. to lecture in
El profesor explicó la teoría de la relatividad.The teacher lectured in the theory of relativity.
explicarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to explain oneself
¿Qué quiere decir con eso? Explíquese.What do you mean by that? Explain yourself.
a. to understand
No se explican cómo los ladrones pudieron entrar al banco.They can't understand how the thieves broke into the bank.
5. (to express)
a. to make oneself understood
Nadie está siguiendo mis instrucciones; no he conseguido explicarme.Nobody is following my instructions; I failed to make myself understood.
permitir(
pehr
-
mee
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teer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
c. to permit
A los empleados despedidos no se les permite acceso al edificio.Fired employees are not permitted access to the building.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Me permite pasar?Can I come in?
Si me permite, señora, creo que puedo arreglar la puerta.If I may, ma'am, I think I can fix the door.
a. to allow
Esta maquinaria nos permite tener una mayor producción.This machinery allows us to increase our production.
permitirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to grant)
a. to allow oneself
Me permito saltarme la dieta una vez por semana.I allow myself to skip my diet once a week.
a. to afford
No puedo permitirme viajar más de una vez al año.I can't afford to travel more than once a year.
