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"Grabar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to record", and "rodar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to roll". Learn more about the difference between "grabar" and "rodar" below.
grabar(
grah
-
bahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to record
La cantante grabó su primer álbum este verano pasado.The singer recorded her first album this past summer.
b. to film (film, television)
Están grabando varios episodios de la serie en mi ciudad natal.They are filming several episodes of the show in my hometown.
2. (computing)
a. to save
Recomiendo que grabes el documento con tanta frecuencia como sea posible.I recommend that you save the document as often as possible.
a. to engrave (in stone or metal)
Los anillos de boda fueron grabados con las iniciales de los recién casados.The wedding rings were engraved with the initials of the newlyweds.
grabarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to recall)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Nunca se me graban los números de teléfono de mis amigos.I can never remember my friends' telephone numbers.
Hoy es un día que se me grabará por siempre en la memoria.Today is a day that will be forever etched in my mind.
rodar(
rroh
-
dahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to spin)
a. to roll
El terremoto hizo que unas cuantas rocas rodaran montaña abajo bloqueándonos el camino.The earthquake made some rocks roll down the mountain blocking our way.
b. to go round
El autobús fue ganando velocidad a medida que rodaban las ruedas.The bus gained speed as the wheels went round.
c. to turn
Los copos de nieve flotaban lentamente, rodando al caer.The snowflakes floated slowly down, turning as they fell.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (film)
4. (automobile)
a. to break in (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Ya que tienes un Tesla nuevo, te toca rodarlo.Now that you have a Tesla, it's time to break it in.
b. to run in (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No puedo esperar a rodar mi nuevo carro.I can't wait to run in my new car.
