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"Fijar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to fix", and "enfocar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to focus". Learn more about the difference between "fijar" and "enfocar" below.
fijar()
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to put)
a. to fix
Tienes que fijar la lámpara al techo con los tornillos.You have to fix the lamp to the ceiling using the screws.
b. to establish
Ha fijado su residencia en Londres por cuestiones de trabajo.He has established his residence in London because of his job.
c. to fix
Antes de decidirnos por una estrategia, debemos fijar nuestros objetivos.We need to fix our objectives before deciding on any strategy.
fijarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to pay attention
Fíjate bien en todo lo que dice y luego me lo cuentas.Pay close attention to everything he says and then tell me afterwards.
a. to notice
No me había fijado en el escalón y casi me caigo.I hadn't noticed the step and almost fell.
enfocar()
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to focus
Enfoca con la cámara la montaña de atrás, no la de adelante.Focus the camera on the far mountain, not the near one.
a. to shine on
Me enojó que el proyector estuviera enfocando al cantante durante mi solo de guitarra.I'm upset that the spotlight was shining on the singer during my guitar solo.
a. to look at
Necesitamos enfocar al paro desde otra perspectiva si queremos encontrar una solución.We must look at unemployment from a new perspective if we want to find a solution.
b. to approach
Enfocó el problema con optimismo y confianza.He approached the problem with optimism and confidence.
c. to consider
Enfoquemos la justicia desde el punto de vista de la víctima y no del victimario.Let's consider justice from the point of view of the victim and not the offender.
enfocarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to address)
a. to focus
Esta nueva ley se enfoca a las mejoras en el sistema de salud.The new law focuses on improvements to the healthcare system.
